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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a four-year statewide tourism plan on Wednesday, April 15, at Level 10 in Charlottesville.
The strategic plan focuses on how tourism can drive economic growth across the commonwealth.
“Charlottesville is a great location to really highlight just how much tourism can be, and is, a driver of Virginia’s economy,” Spanberger said.
The strategy was built from input across Virginia and looks at what each region brings to the table and how to build on it.
“This strategic plan will really chart a path and I hope what’s going to be exciting is that people from across the Commonwealth will get to learn more about different regional strengths,” Spanberger said.
The plan targets more places to stay, more outdoor experiences and more events to attract visitors.
Spanberger said tourists spent $35 billion in Virginia in 2024. The tourism industry generates more than 230,000 jobs across Virginia.
“What I think is really, really special about the next strategic plan is just how much it really digs into the uniqueness of all of the regions of Virginia, recognizing that tourists come to different parts of Virginia for different reasons and to make sure that we are leveraging the strengths of every region as we endeavor to attract tourists from the world over and also just from right here and all of you in the Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “When we are celebrating Virginia as a place, as a destination, Charlottesville is a great example of what brings people to our communities, what makes people feel invested.”
Spanberger said she spoke with a woman who works for a bridal planning company who talked about the millions of dollars brought into the greater region by supporting people who want to come and get married in the greater Charlottesville region.
Spanberger said the plan is about keeping Virginia competitive.
“We can compete with anyone, because we already have the extraordinary assets necessary. We have history. And the semi-quincentennial is no better time than to celebrate and recognize Virginia’s essential history in the birth of our nation,” Spanberger said. “The strategic plan speaks to just how much Virginia tourism is really leaning on the unique differentiators that exist, whether it’s outdoor sports or historical sites. Every region of the Commonwealth is something unique to offer.”
Spanberger also nodded to the tradition of Monticello’s July 4 naturalization ceremonies.
“What is more American than the very reality that we are a nation formed of people who came from everywhere?” Spanberger said. “So what better way to celebrate our 250th than to really be part of a large celebration celebrating new Americans?”
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