Chincoteague, VA: May 16, 2022: Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $2.7 million for 259 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism.
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, a designated Destination Marketing Organization, received a $20,000 grant. Funds will be used for a multi-platform digital marketing strategy that will focus on Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. Driving travelers to Chincoteague Island throughout the year to explore natural wonders and enjoy a multitude of events and activities organized by groups such as the Historic Main Street Merchants Association and Chincoteague Cultural Alliance is the primary goal. "Concentrated efforts to promote events and offerings to folks within a 4-5 hour drive makes sense in todays world of high gas prices", said Evelyn Shotwell, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. "Nature's bounty and small town charm are just a short drive away, but miles away from ordinary".
“These grant funds provide an important opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth to accelerate recovery efforts and continue with their best-in-class marketing initiatives to attract new travelers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism. “Increased visitation translates directly into revenue generation, underscoring tourism’s important role in stimulating economic growth and expansion”
The VTC Regional Marketing Program aims to help Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) drive overnight visitation and to supplement funding for economically significant special events and festivals in order to increase overnight visitation. The DMO funding is projected to drive more than 125,000 room nights over the next 18 months. More information on VTC’s Regional Marketing Program can be found at vatc.org.
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce serves over 300 businesses, offering networking and professional development opportunities to its members. It also serves as a Certified Visitor Center assisting thousands of travelers annually as they discover the uniqueness of this special island off the coast of Virginia. Chincoteague is where legends come to life and memories are made with family and loved ones in a place like no other. Visit chincoteaguechamber.com to learn more about the land of wild ponies and rockets launches to space, request a copy of the Chincoteague Island Visitor's Guide & Membership Directory, or to view the visitor guide online.
