Press Coverage Highlights of Virginia secured and assisted by VTC’s Communications Team
September 2026
Fall Microsite Coverage
- Secret DC: Virginia launches new fall foliage tool for planning trips & more
- WRIC: Kids These Days RVA: Planning your next family-friendly fall trip in Virginia
Heart & Soul
- SwagHer: Virginia Tourism’s Heart & Soul Series Spotlights Black Culture Across Four Virginia Cities
- SWVA Today: Virginia Tourism Corporation launches ‘Heart & Soul’ video series
- Cville Right Now: Virginia Tourism campaign highlights Charlottesville entrepreneur
Virginia Takes Over Philadelphia
- Axios Philadelphia: Virginia tourism brings “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign back to Philly
- Curated Travel Magazine: Virginia Takes Over Philadelphia to Turn Phillies Fans Into Fall Travelers
Economic Impact Locality Coverage
- Shore Daily News: Tourism spending for Shore increases 2.1% in 2025
- 29 News: Visitor spending tops $1 billion in Charlottesville and Albemarle County
- Chatham Star-Tribune: Visitor Spending Reached $415.2M in SoSi in 2025
- Winston-Salem Journal: Visitor spending reaches $415.2M in Southern Virginia
- WHSV: Visitor spending in Waynesboro increases in 2025
- Cville Right Now: Driven by culinary scene, Charlottesville and Albemarle County drew over $1B in tourist spending
- Danville Register & Bee: Visitor spending hits $415.2M in Danville, Pittsylvania
- Northern Virginia Daily: Tourists spent $98 million locally last year, up 2.5% from 2024
- Henrico Citizen: Visitor spending in Henrico surpasses $2 billion
- Fredericksburg Free Press: Tourism spending in Spotsylvania grows for fifth straight year
August 2026
General Travel Coverage
- Southern Living: 6 Unique Hotel Concierge Experiences That Go Far Beyond Dinner Reservations
- Decanter: Northern Virginia Wineries to Visit: A Weekend Wine Adventure
- Saturday Evening Post: Birds of a Feather
- Food, Drink, Life (Syndicated): From Belfast to Beverly Hills, hotels are making whiskey no one else can buy
Economic Impact of Tourism in Virginia
- WFXR: Virginia tourism hits record $36.2 billion, fuels economy and supports jobs
- WRIC: Visitors spent a record $36.2 billion in Virginia in 2025
- CBS19: Virginia tourism generates $3.4B in state, local taxes
- 13News: Virginia sees 4th straight year for record tourism growth
- WDBJ: State tourism spending reached record $36.2 billion in 2025, Gov. Spanberger says
- WSLS: Gov. Spanberger announces fourth consecutive record-breaking year for tourism
- WWBT: Virginia tourism hits record $36.2 billion
- MSN/DC News Now: Visitors spent a record $36.2 billion in Virginia in 2025
- Real Radio 804: Governor Abigail Spanberger Announces Tourism Spending Hits Record $36.2 Billion in Virginia
- WAVY: Tourism revenue hits $36.2 billion record in Virginia during 2025
- The Roanoke Star: Virginia Tourism Hits $36.2 Billion as Roanoke Among Standout Performers
- PC Patriot: Governor Abigail Spanberger Announces Tourism Spending Hits Record $36.2 Billion in Virginia
- WVVA: Spanberger announced 2025 tourism spending hit $36.2 billion in Virginia
- WFXR: Visitors spent a record $36.2 billion in Virginia in 2025
- Rappahannock Record: Virginia tourism spending hits record $36.2 billion, continues on upward climb
- Informa Connect: Virginia Touts Local Impact from Tourism Records
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia hotel business bounces back from pandemic problems
Fall Microsite Coverage
- CBS19: New microsite highlights fall colors and activities
- Culpeper Star-Exponent: “Find Your Fall in Virginia” campaign looks beyond the foliage
- SWVA Sun: Tourism Corporation launches fall travel microsite
- Travel Daily News: Virginia Tourism launches new fall travel microsite
- SWVA Today: New seasonal travel resource combines foliage updates with fall travel experiences
- Yahoo! Creators: When will fall color peak near you? These U.S. maps and trackers can help you time it
- FOX5 DC: Virginia fall foliage 2026: When leaves start changing
- WFIR: A New Site is Helping Tourists “Find their Fall” in Virginia
- WDBJ: Find Your Fall in Virginia
Heart & Soul
- CBS19: Charlottesville featured in ‘Heart and Soul’ series
- The Industry Cosign: Virginia Tourism Corporation Launches ‘Heart & Soul’ Video Series
- Culpeper Star-Exponent: Heart & Soul on YouTube highlights Black culture in C’ville
July 2026
General Travel Coverage
- The Local Palate: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Winchester, Virginia
- Virginia Living: Traveling Virginia’s Lakes: A Guide to Lake Life
- Southern Living: I Took A Detour To Visit A 130-Year-Old Covered Bridge In Virginia—And It Was Worth Every Minute
- Washington Post: 7 East Coast beach destinations to reach by train
- Hotels Above Par: Crossroads Inn: An 1820 Virginia Tavern Stay Next to Pippin Hill Vineyard
- Garden & Gun: Where to Take a Gardening Class This Summer
- TravelPulse: Vacation Like a President this Summer at These Historic Hotels and Resorts
- StyleBlueprint: 3 Southern Travel Directors Changing the Way We Explore
- Southbound: Follow in the footsteps of George Washington on this Northern Virginia road trip
America’s Favorite Set to Film in Hampton Roads
- The Virginian Pilot: ‘America’s Favorite’ to film in Hampton Roads
- Hampton Roads Messenger: Governor Spanberger Announces “America’s Favorite” Filming in Virginia
- WTKR: ‘America’s Favorite’ movie set to film in locations around Hampton Roads
- WAVY: ‘America’s Favorite’ movie to be filmed in Hampton Roads
June 2026
General Travel Coverage
- Travel + Leisure: This Virginia Road Trip Is Perfect for Music Lovers
- National Geographic: A culinary guide to the U.S.—based on each state’s favorite dish
- TODAY: Underrated Summer Destinations: Colorado, Virginia, More
- Southbound: You Say You Want a Revolution: Four Southern cities that helped shaped a nation
May 2026
General Travel Coverage
- Travel + Leisure: How to Visit Virginia’s Outlook Beach
- Food & Wine: The Essential Ice Cream Flavor for Every State
- Retropop: What’s New in Virginia in 2026
Virginia Tourism Grants Coverage
- CBS19: State funding to support local tourism marketing work
- DC News Now: Virginia governor awards grants to localities in NoVa to grow tourism
- Hampton Roads Messenger: Virginia Announces $2.2 Million Tourism Funding for Local Economies
- Patch Alexandria: 2 Alexandria Groups Win $40,000 In State Tourism Grants
- Patch Woodbridge: Woodbridge Cafe Awarded $8,000 Through Virginia State Tourism Grant
- WHSV: Harrisonburg one of several localities to receive tourism funding from state
- Shore Daily News: Shore gets two grants from Virginia Tourism Corporation
- WFXR: Virginia bets on tourism with $2.2 million in marketing grants from Spanberger
- The Patriot: Governor Announces $2.2 Million in Funding to Accelerate Tourism Across the Commonwealth, Grow Local Economies
- Cville Right Now: Tourism grants adding over $120,000 to local initiatives
- 29News: More than $2 million in tourism grants announced for Virginia programs
- WDBJ: $2.2M in matching grant & sponsorship funds awarded to Commonwealth tourism programs
- SWVA Today: Wythe gets tourism money
- SWVA Today: Wytheville nabs tourism grant
- WFXR: Giles County receives $30K for local tourism marketing from VTC
- The Virginia Independent: Gov. Spanberger announces 143 grants to help promote Virginia tourism
- Galax Gazette: Grayson receives VTC tourism marketing grant
- Northern Virginia Daily: State awards $100,000 in grants for six tourism projects
- Chatham Star Tribune: Visit SoSi receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
- Winchester Star: 6 tourism initiatives in region awarded state grants
- Rappahannock Record: VTC awards $2.2 million in tourism grants statewide
- Fredericksburg Free Press: Biz Beat Roundup
- Culpeper Star Exponent: Town of Culpeper awarded $30,000 tourism marketing grant
- Danville Register & Bee: Visit SoSi receives grant for tourism marketing campaign
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: Town of Ashland awarded $15K tourism grant to launch ‘Center Your Fun’ campaign
- Danville Register & Bee: Visit SoSi receives $30,000 tourism marketing grant
- The Progress-Index: How will $30,000 grant be spent in Tri-Cities?
- Brunswick Times-Gazette: Governor announces $2.2 million in funding to accelerate tourism across the Commonwealth, grow local economies
- WHSV: Staunton awarded $15,000 tourism grant to produce digital documentary series
- Newsleader: Staunton receives grant for artisan documentary
April 2026
General Travel Coverage
- Southern Living: 11 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Virginia For A Relaxing Getaway
- Time Out: 16 Most Scenic Train Rides in America for a Stunning Journey by Rail
- Food & Wine: The Best Pickle and Fermentation Shops in the US
- Southern Living: 9 Virginia Towns Full Of Antique Shops And Hidden Treasures
- The Dogwood: Fun in the sun awaits you at these 16 summer festivals in VA
- Southbound Magazine: What to do in downtown Staunton, Virginia—one of the South’s finest small towns
- The Flagship: A closer look at sustainable travel in Virginia
- Travel & Tour World: Eco-Friendly Travel in Virginia: How the Commonwealth is Leading the Sustainable Tourism Movement
- CBS19: Eco-Friendly Travel Is Growing Across Virginia as Demand Rises
Statewide Tourism Plan Coverage
- CBS 19: Spanberger unveils new statewide tourism plan
- WRIC: Spanberger unveils Virginia’s new tourism plan to drive economic impact
- Alexandria Living Magazine: Spanberger Announces Release of Tourism Plan for Virginia
- 29 News: Spanberger announces four-year statewide tourism plan
- ABC 13: Gov. Spanberger unveils Virginia Tourism Corporation’s 2026-2029 strategic plan
- Cville Right Now: In Charlottesville, Spanberger unveils new Virginia tourism plan
- WAVY: Spanberger unveils Virginia’s new tourism plan to drive economic impact
- WDBJ: Spanberger announces four-year statewide tourism plan
- WRAR: Governor Spanberger Announces New Statewide Strategic Tourism Plan for 2026-2029
Virginia is for Lager Lovers
- CBS 19: Devils Backbone, VTC team up to mark 20 years of Vienna Lager
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia Tourism partnered with Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
- Daily Press: Devils Backbone adds ‘Virginia is for Lager Lovers’ logo to Vienna Lager
- The Daily Progress: Devils Backbone shows off Virginia pride with new logo
- Richmond BizSense: The Pitch: Advertising and marketing news for 4.21.26
Virginia Tourism Grants Coverage
- WSLS: Pulaski County mural project invites residents to paint a piece of America’s 250th anniversary
March 2026
General Travel Coverage
- AFAR: Six New Sites Join the U.S. Civil Rights Trail for 2026
- Curated Travel Magazine: Spring Escapes in Virginia: Chesapeake Coast, Allegheny Mountains & Historic Garden Week
- The Independent: Book retreats are gaining popularity as vacationers opt for reading — here’s 9 getaways in the US
- Good Grit: Living Proof
VTC Team Coverage
- Bristol Herald Courier: Former Bristol Virginia mayor accepts new responsibilities
- Van Nuys News Press: Virginia Tourism Corporation Announces Becky Nave as Vice President of Partnership Marketing
- Travel and Tour World: Virginia Tourism Corporation Ignites a New Power Era as Becky Nave Rises to Vice President in a Bold Move Set to Supercharge Virginia Tourism Across the Commonwealth
- Travel Daily News: Virginia Tourism Corporation promotes Becky Nave to VP of Partnership Marketing
- Informa Connect: eTourism Moves: New Hires & Promotions for March
What’s New Coverage
- News 18: Why 2026 Is The Year To Visit Virginia: New Resorts, Cultural Milestones And Culinary Trails
- Travel and Tour World: Unveiling the Commonwealth: Why Virginia is Defined as the Premier Global Destination for 2026
Virginia Piedmont Region Coverage
- Travel and Tour World: Unveiling the Commonwealth: Why Virginia is Defined as the Premier Global Destination for 2026
- WCAV: New tourism region approved
- Fauquier Times: Fauquier part of new ‘Virginia Piedmont’ tourism region
- Culpeper Star-Exponent: Virginia Piedmont is now an official state tourism region
Virginia Tourism Grants Coverage
- CBS 19: CACVB uses grant to enhance accessibility for visitors
- WSLS: Pulaski County officials inviting community to help create VA250 commemorative mural
Virginia Civil Rights Trail Podcast Launch
- Richmond Magazine: Forging Onward
February 2026
General Travel Coverage
Virginia Civil Rights Trail Podcast Launch
- The Farmville Herald: New civil rights podcast features Johns
Virginia Tourism Grants Coverage
- Shore Daily News: ESVA Tourism Commission awarded $10k grant from VTC
- Allegheny Mountain Radio: Highland County Chamber Awarded $20,000 Advertising Grant For Maple Festival
- Travel and Tour World: Eastern Shore’s Tourism Economy Supported by Virginia Tourism Grant, Everything You Need to Know
- The Declaration: Grayson receives grant for Ag & Art, calls for artist
- The Enterprise: SRC Productions Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: Goochland County awarded $10,000 DRIVE Tourism+ grant
- Augusta Free Press: Waynesboro: Riverfest aims to attract more overnight visitors
- 13 News Now: Newport News to kick off One City Marathon weekend with new event on Mariners Row
- WAVY TV: One City Marathon unites Newport News with ‘Power the Hype’ theme
What’s New Coverage
- Alexandria Living Magazine: Virginia’s Dining Scene Expands with 2026 Openings
- Alexandria Living Magazine: New Resort Getaways to Visit This Year in Virginia
January 2026
General Travel Coverage
- The Daily Sentinel (Syndicated in over 100 outlets): Saturday Valentine’s Day Sparks a Surge in Weekend Getaway Plans
Virginia Civil Rights Trail Podcast Launch
- WRIC: Virginia Tourism Corporation creates new Virginia Civil Rights Movement podcast
- Fredericksburg, VA: Virginia Tourism Corporation Launches New Virginia Civil Rights Podcast
- BOOMER Magazine: More What’s Booming RVA: January 29
- Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: Virginia Civil Rights podcast launches
Special Events & Festivals Grant Coverage
- Shore Daily News: ESVA Chamber Fest awarded Virginia Festival Grant
- Rappahannock Times: NN Tourism Commission Receives Grant
- The Progress Index: See which Virginia events, festivals get a piece of $885,733
- Travel & Tour World: Virginia Allocates 885K USD in Tourism Grants for 2026 Festivals in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Beyond in US to Strengthen Local Economy and Visitor Numbers
- CBS19 News: Several local events, festivals get state tourism funding
- New River Valley News: Matching Grant Funds for Tourism
- Rocktown Now: FredFEST VA one of 88 special events & festivals to receive public-private marketing funds
- The River 95.3: Local tourism receives a financial boost from Virginia
- Winchester Star: State awards nearly $30K to local festivals, events
- The Lebanon News: Lebanon receives grant for tourism marketing
- WFXR: Two Giles County events receive marketing and tourism grants
December 2025
General Travel Coverage
- AFAR: Where to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in the South
- Food & Wine: How to Celebrate the Holidays at US Wineries
November 2025
General Travel Coverage
- Matador Network: A Local’s Guide to Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia
- Town and Country: A Snob’s Guide to Virginia Horse Country
- HGTV: 30 of the Prettiest Places Decorated for Christmas Across America
Virginia Film Office Coverage
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: “The Ice at the Bottom of the World” to film in Virginia
- WRIC ABC 8News: ‘The Ice at the Bottom of the World’ movie to film in Virginia
- Augusta Free Press: ‘The Ice at the Bottom of the World’ filming along Virginia’s coast
- 4 Filming: “The Ice at the Bottom of the World” Movie Filming in Virginia – Cast, Story & Production Details
October 2025
General Travel Coverage