5/6/20 Update

LEAD NEWS: VRLTA Letter to Governor Northam Yesterday, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association sent a letter to Governor Northam urging him to not postpone the reopening of Virginia’s hospitality related businesses. You can review a copy of the letter here .

Governor's Update   While the Governor has indicated previously that the state should not reopen on a regional basis as it would “pick winners and losers,” he drastically shifted his position to allow localities to set their own restrictions; however, rather than localities being allowed to reopen or have less restrictive measures on businesses, he will instead allow local government to establish more stringent guidelines than those established by the state. It appears that the impetus for this issue may have been created by a letter from the Boards of Supervisors from Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. You can view that letter here . We are urging you to contact both the Governor and your local government urging them to oppose the proposal to allow localities to establish more rigid guidelines than the state ones for reopening. Weigh in on this issue with an action alert here .

National Travel & Tourism Week Continues Our DMO and CVB members have continued to share information with us about their activities to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week. Here are some new things to check out! Newport News is having a Spirit of Travel contest - each day, winners receive a $500+ prize package Petersburg Area Regional Tourism created a video - LOVE happens in the best PART of Virginia Visit Williamsburg also released a new video about the things they miss the most Luray & Page County have piggybacked on VTC's theme with their own We'll be waiting for you video

Upcoming Webinars of Interest AHLA is offering a webinar tomorrow, May 7, at 2 pm to provide an overview of the new Safe Stay guidelines. Registration required. ChamberRVA is hosting two Virtual Small Business Workshops, designed to offer engaging conversation with small business owners and experts on the impact of COVID-19. Dates are Friday, May 8, 1:30 - 2:45 pm OR Thursday, May 14 10:00 - 11:15 am. Register here for May 8 and here for May 14.

Safe Stay Resources The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today introduced Safe Stay, an industry-wide, enhanced standard of health and safety protocols designed to prepare America's hotels to safely welcome back guests and employees as the economy reopens. Safe Stay represents the top priority for the industry, the health and safety of guests and employees. Full Safe Stay Guidelines Safe Stay Toolkit (including logo) Safe Stay microsite Endorse the program here

Support the VRLTA Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund VRLTA's industry relief fund is aiding workers displaced by the recent restaurant and hospitality industry shutdowns and also helping affected businesses. Over $30,000 has been raised to date! Donations can be made through VRLTA's website at    https://www.vrlta.org/donations/donate.asp?id=19606   .

Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Merchandise Supports the VRLTA Relief Fund - Make a purchase to show your support today! VRLTA has also partnered with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to create a Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers t-shirt, and other merchandise, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Fund.  Click here to see the options.

Continue to visit https://www.virginiaisforrestaurantlovers.com for updated information!