Ricketts elected to serve again as Vice-Chair for the VTC Board
Virginia Beach, Va. (January 9, 2014) – Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Director James B. Ricketts was elected to serve again as Vice-Chairman of the board of directors of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Governor Bob McDonnell reappointed Ricketts to serve on this prestigious board which includes the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance and the Secretary of Natural Resources. Collectively, the VTC board advises on matters relating to Virginia’s travel, tourism and film production industries. Ricketts will serve as Vice-Chairman for one year: his board reappointment is for six years.
Headquartered in Richmond, the VTC was established by the Virginia General Assembly to serve the broader interests of the Virginia economy by supporting, maintaining and expanding the Commonwealth’s domestic and international travel markets and motion picture production, thereby generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenues and employment. The VTC board voted for Ricketts to continue as their Vice Chairman.
Active in many leadership roles during his extensive career in the travel and tourism industry, Ricketts currently serves on the national board of the U.S. Travel Association. He is a past chairman of the board of the Southeast Tourism Society and the Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance and is a past president of the Virginia Travel Council. Ricketts began his service with the City of Virginia Beach in 1974 and has led the Virginia Beach CVB since 1988. Under his guidance and leadership, tourism has become the second largest revenue generator for Virginia Beach.
“It’s an honor to continue to serve on the board of directors for the Virginia Tourism Authority board,” Ricketts said. “Last year was a banner year for Virginia's tourism industry, resulting in record increases in revenue and job creation. Tourism in Virginia generated $21.2 billion in revenue in 2012. We look forward to helping VTC continue strengthening our tourism industry, which ultimately improves the quality of life for all Virginians.”