ESVA Tourism takes part in Thank the Visitor Day at Norfolk Airport

Regional tourism partners will gather at Norfolk International Airport on Friday, May 10 from 9am to 2pm to celebrate Thank the Visitor Day with air travelers. The event will feature a variety of mascots, live music, tourist information and giveaways and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission will participate.

On the thank you day, the ESVA Tourism Commission is giving away information about the Eastern Shore, including items such as stickers and goodie bags with Shore-related logos on them.

“Last time I talked to a lot of people who lived in Norfolk or traveled there frequently for years but had no idea who we are on the coast,” said Emily Machen, marketing director for the ESVA Tourism Commission. “We are also showing a strong regional front with the other destinations on the Virginia coast, encouraging people that they can easily drive through the COVA region for a diverse vacation experience.”

According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), visitor spending generated more than $6.77 billion in direct economic impact in 2022, a 13.5% change from 2021. Tourism-supported jobs in Coastal Virginia totaled 53,273, while local tourism-related taxes were reduced. $337 million. Additional marketing dollars received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) have contributed to the growth in visitor spending.

Consisting of eleven unique destinations, Coastal Virginia offers visitors unlimited experiences year-round.

The Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance is a forum for destination marketing organizations to raise awareness of the tourism and hospitality industry as a major economic generator, promote Coastal Virginia as a destination, and facilitate the development and growth of tourism and hospitality businesses and venues throughout the region to encourage.