VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (Nov. 16, 2015) – With three distinct beaches to choose from and an array of adventures designed specifically for groups, Virginia Beach has long been a destination for group travelers from around the world. This year, the American Bus Association (ABA) has selected two well-established Virginia Beach events among its list of North America’s 100 Best Events for 2016: the Patriotic Festival, and the NAS Oceana Air Show. Additionally, The Virginia International Tattoo & Arts Festival, brings significant cultural appeal for the Coastal Area Region and has received the distinction of being named the top U.S. event for 2016.
Every year, ABA’s Top 100 Selection Committee evaluates hundreds of event nominations from all over the country, so it’s an honor to have some of Virginia Beach’s most patriotic events named among the best events for groups to experience via motorcoach next year. Judges considered the events’ broad appeal, their accessibility to motorcoaches and their skill in handling large groups. The recognition of these three military-centric events provides Virginia Beach and the region with additional visibility among group tour travelers, who have long made Virginia Beach a preferred travel destination.
As part of the annual Virginia Arts Festival, the acclaimed Virginia International Tattoo, celebrating its 20th season next year, is a dynamic regional collaboration among ten cities across Coastal Virginia, with performances by marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs from around the world, making it the largest event of its kind in the U.S. honoring the nation’s military. The event has been included in the ABA’s Top 100 list for several years, and this year’s top honor reflects the event’s excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, reaffirming its place as a significant driver of tourism for the region.
Additionally, every spring, the Patriotic Festival features a weekend-long celebration, complete with concerts, military expos and displays to honor our armed forces personnel and their families. In the fall, the NAS Oceana Air Show features the United States Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team, along with a variety of thrilling military and civilian aerial performances.
With unique and entertaining events such as these, Virginia Beach welcomes groups to “Live the Life” year-round. Travelers can enjoy unique access to popular experiences through tailored Live the Life Adventures, offered exclusively for groups, along with a range of customizable itineraries to help guides’ plan their excursions in five distinct categories. Groups can delight their taste buds with Culinary & Agriculture adventures, go behind the scenes of thrilling performances with Arts & Culture, fly a WWII airplane with Military & History, kayak with dolphins through Outdoor & Eco-Adventures or reconnect during a Mind+Body+Spirit adventure. With an array of different activities available, it’s no wonder so many tour planners put Virginia Beach at the top of their list.
Learn more about Virginia Beach group travel at www.visitvirginiabeach.com/grouptour.
