Virginia Beach CVB, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association bring leaders together to discuss recent industry trends, forecasts and ways to facilitate future economic growth

(Virginia Beach, Va., August 27, 2014) – The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), in partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association, is co-hosting a free regional tourism summit on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The tourism summit will provide an opportunity for discussion among industry experts, policy makers and members of the tourism business community, focusing on recent industry trends, forecasts and what can be done to facilitate further economic growth. As the second-largest revenue generator in Virginia Beach, tourism is a driving force for the City’s economy, creating jobs and generating economic impact. In 2012, tourism revenue for Virginia Beach reached $1.28 billion.  Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 12,025 while local and state tourism-related tax revenues reached $102 million.

WHAT: Free forum:  Virginia Beach Tourism Summit

WHO: Featured panelists:

  • James B. Ricketts, Director, Virginia Beach CVB
  • Kristina Chastain, Immediate Past President, Virginia Beach Restaurant Association
  • Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Deputy Director of Museums and Historic Resources for Virginia Beach
  • Jeanne Evans-Cox, Executive Director, Central Business District Association of Virginia Beach

In addition to an open panel discussion, the Virginia Tourism Corporation will deliver research information refined to the Coastal Virginia region, as well as detail VTC branding initiatives and marketing opportunities.  The summit will also feature hotel/lodging performance statistics and how they affect tourism overall.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration begins at 2 p.m.

WHERE:  Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, Va.

REGISTER: This event is open to travel, tourism, hospitality, and retail businesses and organizations.  Advance registration is highly encouraged. Open to the media.