Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

We're excited to announce that the numbers are IN for the economic impact of tourism in VBR for 2023! 🎉 Tourism generated over $882 million in direct visitor spending in Virginia's Blue Ridge, marking a 6.6% increase over 2022! ⭐ Check out the breakdown of numbers and messages from our partners in our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/ge6kKgy2 ⭐ We love working to bring visitors to the area and are so grateful for our partners who make our incredible region a welcoming one! Virginia Tourism Corporation | City of Roanoke, VA | Botetourt County | Franklin County, Virginia | Roanoke County, Virginia | City of Salem, Virginia

This Southern Living Magazine feature has us dreaming of warm summer days on the river 😍 From Twin River Outfitters' campsites along the James River to the diverse offerings at Explore Park, there's an outdoor adventure for everyone in our region! ⭐Thank you to author Jennifer Prince, who attended our Made in VBR group media tour last spring! ⭐Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ezj5w6by Virginia Tourism Corporation | Botetourt County | Roanoke County, Virginia

From all of us here at Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, we wish you and yours a very happy holiday! Through the end of December, experience the magic of the season at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio by Hilton 😍 Take in the countless decorated trees through their Fashions for Evergreens event (free and open to the public!), sip a craft cocktail at the gorgeous bar, enjoy dinner in the Pine Room, and stop by the larger-than-life displays on the courtyard for lots of photo ops!

Check out this fun interview on the most recent episode of "What It Takes" on Blue Ridge PBS! 🎉 Our very own John Oney, STS and Kathryn Lucas joined host Tom Landon, to talk about the economic and social impact of the 2025 and 2026 USA Cycling Endurance and Mountain Bike national championships! ⭐ Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gm6urhkR

The 2024 NCAA DIII Women’s Volleyball national quarterfinals get underway today at Roanoke College! 🎉 Two-time defending national champion Juniata looks to “three-peat” and extend its 94-match win streak - the second-longest in NCAA history. The Eagles have also won a DIII-record 76 consecutive sets. The quarterfinal winners will meet for a spot in the national final on Thursday with matches at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The final is slated for 4 p.m. on Saturday. All matches will be streamed on ESPN+! ⭐ We're excited to welcome the teams, families, and fans to Virginia's Blue Ridge! City of Salem, Virginia

Our Meetings, Sales, & Services Manager Paige Thompson recently attended Connect Winter Marketplace! She met with professionals in the events industry and shared what makes our region an incredible host destination. ⭐ Virginia's Blue Ridge is the perfect place to host your next meeting or conference! Contact Paige or John Oney, STS to learn more.

Roanoke is featured in The Local Palate! 🤩 Visit VBR’s PR department has showcased our region’s culinary scene to multiple Local Palate authors and assistant editors in recent years through press trips. The Local Palate is a national magazine that highlights culinary travel stories from the South. When putting together coverage, The Local Palate often connects with local writers and photographers from the area they are covering. This excellent article was written by Roanoke’s own Layla Khoury-Hanold! Check out the article and plan your foodie-inspired visit to VBR here: https://lnkd.in/eYwC3_sB ⭐ Photos for this post were taken at Lucky in Downtown Roanoke, during Visit VBR's media tour. Virginia Tourism Corporation | City of Roanoke, VA

Our region offers up unique, fun, and family-friendly traditions at holiday time, and this season is no different 🥳 Check out our must-read blog post to plan your holiday adventures in Virginia's Blue Ridge: https://lnkd.in/gxnjSPk8 Virginia Tourism Corporation | City of Roanoke, VA | Botetourt County | Franklin County, Virginia | City of Salem, Virginia | Roanoke County, Virginia

Happy Friday! 🎉 Our Director of Public Relations, Kathryn Lucas, is currently attending the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Annual Convention in Istanbul, Türkiye! In addition to meeting with a slate of national travel writers at the convention’s media marketplace, Kathryn is also interacting with and pitching additional travel media about our region through various convention events such as “FAM” (familiarity) tours. Next year’s SATW Annual Convention will be held in Detroit, Michigan. ⭐ Fun fact: Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge hosted the 2021 annual SATW Eastern Chapter meeting!

This Veterans Day, we celebrate our veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice. At twilight on December 6, the National D-Day Memorial will hold their annual Flames of Memory event, to honor those who lost their lives on D-Day. Throughout the memorial’s grounds, thousands of luminaries will shine in recognition of the fallen. Bring the whole family for this moving experience. ⭐ Time: 5pm-9pm on December 6 ⭐Admission: free ⭐Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ez8pJJjM Virginia Tourism Corporation | National D-Day Memorial Foundation