The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (RVCVB) has announced a new initiative to promote Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. As of January 1, 2013, the transient occupancy tax increased in the Cities of Roanoke and Salem from 7% – 8% and in Roanoke County from 5% – 7%.
These local governments have agreed to invest 3 percentage points of the tax to the RVCVB, adding over one million dollars dedicated to marketing Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Botetourt and Franklin Counties have also stepped up to increase their level of funding commitment as well. This is a big accomplishment for regional cooperation and the beginning of a new era for tourism.
What does this mean for the tourism industry in these five localities? The RVCVB is converting from a membership-based organization to a consumer-based organization. All hospitality and tourism industry businesses within the supporting jurisdictions will be given the opportunity to sign-up as a partner at no cost.
This industry has a large economic footprint that includes lodging, transportation, arts and culture, restaurants, attractions, artisans, retailers, and more. The RVCVB can present a much stronger image of the Roanoke Valley as destination with an inclusive partnership base and will have the ability to maximize tourism potential, stimulate new tourism business, and create more jobs.
“We must have as many tourism partners as possible to position Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a premier metro-mountain vacation destination and attract more travelers to the region. Ultimately, through expansive marketing efforts, collaborative partnerships and our Virginia’s Blue Ridge brand, the RVCVB seeks to spur regional economic growth for many years to come,” said Landon Howard, President of the RVCVB.
Tourism spending reached new records in 2012 as an economic driver for the region and to date in 2013, Virginia’s Blue Ridge region has sold more hotel rooms and collected more transient occupancy tax dollars than any other year in lodging history. Travel expenditures for Virginia’s Blue Ridge (including the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke) reached $730,369,363, resulting in a 3.8 percent increase over 2011. Regional tourism-supported jobs totaled 7,236 while state and local tourism-related taxes totaled $52,412,801.
For more information go to visitroanokeva.com
