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TripAdvisor Business Survey Reveals U.S. Hotels Optimistic for 2012 Economy

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:05:18 GMT

Data Indicates that One-Third of U.S. Travelers have Plans for Increased Travel Spending in 2012

NEWTON, Mass., Feb. 21, 2012 -- TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), the world's largest travel site*, today announced the results of the annual TripAdvisor Industry Index - one of the world's largest hotel business surveys, incorporating responses from more than 9,000 accommodation owners and managers worldwide, of which 1276 were from the U.S. The Index, TripAdvisor's first of this size and scale, gauges the industry's outlook for the year ahead. Among the survey's key findings: the discovery that 65 percent of U.S. respondents are optimistic about the prospect of an economic recovery in 2012, a full 27 percent higher than the global average of 38 percent.

U.S. respondents also expressed a bullish outlook on their own profitability in 2012. Seventy-six percent said they expect their businesses to be more profitable in 2012 than they were in 2011, as compared to a global average of 58 percent.

This optimism extended to hiring plans. Twenty-seven percent of U.S. respondents said they are planning to create new jobs in 2012, while the global industry average was slightly lower at 22 percent.

"The TripAdvisor Industry Index reveals an economic optimism among U.S. accommodation owners which reflects data showing one-third of U.S. travelers are planning to increase travel spending in 2012***," said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business.

TripAdvisor Industry Index reveals the hospitality industry's top trends, ranging from hotel representatives' economic outlook and plans to engage travelers using mobile devices to property investments and the top deals hoteliers plan to offer their guests.

Social and Mobile Marketing: Engaging Travelers Online and "On the Go"
Social media marketing:	U.S.	WORLD
Expect social media marketing budget to increase in 2012 (of those who had such a budget in 2011)	52%	50%
Plan to monitor social media for mentions of the property	80%	76%
Plan to respond to guest reviews about their property on TripAdvisor	91%	87%

Mobile marketing:
Plan to offer a program to engage travelers using mobile devices (e.g., a mobile app, special offers on mobile, booking through a mobile device) in 2012	61%	53%
Plan to offer a program to engage travelers using mobile devices for the first time in 2012	27%	28%


Property Investments: Renovations and Acquisitions
	U.S.	WORLD
Planning to purchase/build new accommodation properties in 2012	13%	17%


Services and Amenities: Free or Fees
	U.S.	WORLD
Plan to add services or amenities in 2012	28%	38%
Foresee adding fees for services or amenities in 2012	10%	15%
Plan to offer free in-room Internet access to guests in 2012	89%	77%


Top Deals and Special Offers: Attracting Guests in 2012
	U.S.	WORLD
Discounts on rooms	59%	52%
Special amenities/services (e.g., free Wi-Fi Internet access)	58%	56%
Free parking	38%	32%

"Hoteliers' plans to engage with travelers using social media and mobile devices are also important trends this year," said Petersen. "While it's encouraging to see so many planning to respond to online guest reviews in 2012, TripAdvisor's data show that only 15 percent of property reviews currently have management responses. The owners and managers who follow through on plans to respond to reviews will have an advantage over their competition."

For more data from the TripAdvisor Industry Index, please download the report here:cdn.tripadvisor.com/pdfs/email/IndustryIndex_English.pdf

Methodology
The TripAdvisor Industry Index survey was designed in conjunction with Brainbox Research and conducted from Dec. 21, 2011 - Jan. 4, 2012. The survey was sent by email to a random sample of global accommodation owners and managers and generated 9,441 completed responses worldwide. Some of the questions in the survey were offered in a "select all that apply" format and therefore result in responses that yield percentages totaling a number greater than 100 percent.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 18 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 65 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor's travel media brands include: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk,www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com,www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, August 2011

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, August 2011

***Source: TripAdvisor 2012 Travel Trends Survey, November 2011

©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

2012 Meeting Market Trends Survey, MeetingsFocus.com

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:50:04 GMT

January 2012 - MeetingsFocus.com

2012 Meetings Market Trends Survey

More than 800 meeting planners share their opinions on how 2012 will shape up for the industry

by Tyler Davidson,

What's up? Well, it may be one of the oldest smart-aleck retorts going, but the simple answer is, "prices."

Hotels and other meeting venues are grazing on greener pastures after one of the longest, driest revenue droughts since the Great Depression, but with the new-supply pipeline drying up, now is the time for sales managers to make some bank for owners.

"The short answer is life is good," says Jan Freitag, senior vice president of global development for leading hospitality industry consultancy Smith Travel Research (STR). "The U.S. has sold more rooms on an annualized basis through October than ever before-1.05 billion rooms sold.

"There's three legs to the stool: unprecedented demand, unprecedented lack of supply and some recovery of ADR," says Freitag, who by nature of his clientele-hotels-looks at things from the supplier perspective. "People just aren't building anything, and we're expecting that to last for the next 12 months or so. We expect room demand still to grow, but not at the pace that we've seen it. We're still going to be selling more rooms, and that's going to outpace the supply. I don't have a general manager saying, 'We don't have anything on the books in August 2012, so take any group you can.'"

According to STR, room rates should increase approximately 2.7 percent in 2012. (STR expects a nearly identical increase of 2.6 percent for 2011 when all of the numbers come in.)

For the first time in years, it seems there is movement in the area of booking windows, with many suppliers not as desperate to take last-minute bookings, or willing to hold out for potentially more-lucrative business.

"Meeting planners need to be careful of two things," Freitag says. "The short booking windows they were able to utilize in 2009 and 2010 are not going to serve them well because the absolute level of occupancy on the upper end of the market will be so high they won't be able to get the rooms they want. Now when a meeting planner calls a hotel and says, 'My meeting is two months from now and I need x,' they'll hear, 'You may be able to book this, but here's the rate,' which will be pretty hefty because the hotel is full. They're going to see that they're being outplaced and they're going to have to elongate the booking window again just because there's not a lot of new hotels to choose from."

Another factor in hotel pricing is the generally low rates that many planners locked in during the worst of the economic downturn. Because many planners had the foresight-and the ability-to book further out a couple of years ago, hotels may have a lot of low-revenue business still on the books, and hotel sales managers will feel pressure to make back some of that money with the remaining rooms.

"Know that room demand is going to go up, so your favorite hotel may not be available," Freitag says. "So book early, book often."

As far as what markets will be hot-from a high-occupancy standpoint-STR is especially bullish on a perennial star performer.

"New York's on fire-always is, always will be," Freitag says, adding that the city's occupancy may actually be flat or drop slightly, but it will remain in relative equilibrium at a very high level.

According to Freitag, year-to-date occupancy in New York City sat at 81.2 percent near the end of 2011, while the average in the other top 25 markets hovered around 65 percent.

Bargain Markets
Bargain hunters should look for markets with a large amount of meeting space and good airlift. According to STR, the average daily rate in some key bargain markets include Phoenix ($105), Dallas ($86), Atlanta ($83) and Orlando ($104).

"If you're looking at bargains, they're not necessarily on the coasts," he sums up.

The major pendulum swing back to a seller's market was evident in the responses from planners who took the Meetings Market Trends Survey, too.

"I do believe that we are now headed toward a 'seller's market,' responded Matthew Marcial, CMP, director of meetings and event services for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, based in Jacksonville, Fla. "We are seeing signs that the pendulum is swinging back, and those include more limited availability in shorter booking windows, higher rates and limited flexibility with concessions."

Even though prices may be rising and flexibility contracting, Marcial is positive in his overall outlook for 2012.

"I am more optimistic about the meetings industry and the economy than I was a year ago," he says, "because there are many signs of improvement, such as increased attendance at our programs, and in speaking with many of our suppliers, business for them also continues to see a gradual improvement and greater demand."

Attrition
One sign that the market is swinging back to suppliers is a decided decrease in their level of desperation.

"[Attrition clauses] are being more-strictly enforced," responded Sebrina Brown, manager of meeting experiences for Oneonta, N.Y.-based Cleinman Performance Partners, who wrote that she is also seeing booking windows getting longer and finding it increasingly harder to book rooms and meeting space in a short time frame. "I find the hotels are reluctant to give up the space to us nine months out in favor of hoping to book a group with more sleeping rooms."

Cleinman added that by booking three years out for her three-day weekend programs she managed to have properties freeze their rates and only minimally increase F&B (by 3 percent). By offering to go year-to-year, however, she was presented with an almost 10 percent increase.

Independent planner Theadore C. Bradpiece, vice president of Los Angeles-based Two Bears Travel, is also seeing facilities get tighter with their attrition terms.

"I am finding that attrition clauses are being enforced more strictly of late," he responded. "I think that with the weakening economy, and the loss of meeting revenue, venues are turning to attrition clauses to help offset some of the loss."

Results from the Meetings Market Trends Survey bear out Cleinman's and Bradpiece's take, with 10 percent less meeting planners responding this year that the allowance for slippage has increased while nearly 3 percent more indicated that the allowance for slippage had decreased; 4.2 percent more responded that attrition clauses were enforced more frequently, which was led by 8.3 percent more corporate planners. When it comes to attrition fees being dropped altogether, 5.1 percent less meeting planners indicated as such this year, with 6.8 percent less association planners responding they were taken off the table completely.

Planning Cycles
Booking windows-the amount of time between the start of the booking process and the signing of the contract-are also lengthening.

According to survey results, the fast-turnaround time portion of responses is decreasing, with 1.3 percent less planners this year responding that their typical planning cycle is one month or less (2.9 percent less corporate planners) and 2.8 percent less planners answering that their booking window was usually two to three months.

Conversely, those who answered four to six months increased 4.3 percent over last year, and those who indicated their typical planning cycle was between seven and 12 months increased 3.6 percent. On the far end of the scale, however, those starting their booking cycle more than two years out dropped 2.1 percent from the previous survey.

Budgets
The question that asked about expected budget changes in 2012 presented a mixed bag, with results that were not quite indicative of a major trend, but that in itself may be telling when it comes to corporate budgets and the general stagnation and uncertainty affecting the economy at the time of the survey.

Planners who responded that they expect their budget to decrease up to 10 percent in 2012 increased 2.6 percent from last year's survey, led by 6.5 percent more independent planners; 7 percent more corporate planners said they expect their budget to stay the same while 4.3 percent less corporate planners were looking forward to an increase of more than 10 percent. Association planners were a little more optimistic, however, with 3.2 percent indicating they thought their budget would increase more than 10 percent.

"Our budget will increase, but not because we have the money, more because it has to increase to accommodate the services we need!" responded Elana Plotkin, meetings coordinator for the Rockville, Md.-based Biophysical Society. "Services that we paid for in 2010 have increased by up to 30 percent for our 2013 budget, somewhat due to city-by-city differences and the use of unionized areas, but some just because organizations are upping prices to cover their decrease in revenue."

Of course, budget expectations are often tied very closely to attendance performance and estimates, so uncertainty as to how many people will be meeting next year fits into a general uncertainty about the economy. All of these factor into the number of meetings planners think they'll be responsible for in the next year.

Results from the Meetings Market Trends Survey indicated that attendance ended up pretty flat in 2011. Although 46.8 percent of all planners noted their attendance stayed about the same between 2010 and 2011, 21.4 percent responded that attendance actually dropped by up to 10 percent. On the other side of the coin, 13.9 percent indicated that the number of people attending their meetings increased up to 10 percent over the previous year's survey.

"Attendance increased only a small amount [in 2011]," says Dr. Bjorn Hanson, divisional dean and clinical professor of the New York University Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management. "Employees are still reluctant to lobby to attend additional meetings, and even though corporate profits are increasing, companies aren't behaving like they are. The cost of attending meetings has increased, for hotels, care rental, air travel. Companies might be saying that the worst of the economy is getting better, but we still need to control costs because prices are increasing.

"So they send fewer people for fewer days," Hanson continues, "and even though profits are up, no one's complaining, with the exception of Occupy Wall Street, that corporate profits are too high yet."

Number of Meetings
One survey question that may portend a healthier meetings market in 2012 asked how many meetings planners expected to hold the following year. The rate-of-change, especially, between responses from the 2010 survey and the 2011 survey were particularly interesting, as 18.1 percent more association planners said they expected the amount of meetings they will hold to increase up to 10 percent (12.2 percent more, total; 13.1 percent more, corporate; 2.5 percent more, government; 6.9 percent more, independent).

Government planners, as indicated throughout the survey, were decidedly less rosy about their prospects in 2012, with 10.6 percent more expecting the number of meetings they hold in 2012 to decrease by up to 10 percent; 6.8 percent more responded that they expect the total number of meetings they will hold in the following year to decrease more than 10 percent.

One interesting trend we noticed emerging just this year was declining organizational support for industry trade associations, with nearly 21.9 percent more government planners responding that their membership in meeting planning trade associations such as MPI and PCMA was not supported.

The number of association planners whose organization supported their participation in meetings industry associations was 8.2 percent less this year. Overall, 5.2 percent less planners received support for their participation in trade associations.

The 2012 Meetings Market Trends Survey is a proprietary Meetings Focus online study that was distributed to 50,260 Meetings Focus subscribers. As an incentive to complete the survey, respondents were offered a chance to win one of five $50 Visa gift cards. Conducted in October 2011, the survey generated 805 complete responses.

Bruce Thompson Named “Best Industry Leader” By International Group

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:33:14 GMT

Bruce Thompson Named "Best Industry Leader" By International Group

World-Wide Recognition Puts Thompson Among Elite In Timeshare Industry

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA-February 6,2012-Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key/ PHR Hotels and Resorts, was recognized as the "Best Industry Leader" by Perspective Magazine, the leading trade publication for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry.

The award was announced last week at the annual GNEX awards ceremony in Cancun, Mexico. The awards recognize excellence in various categories including management, sales, operations, architecture and marketing. The "Best Industry Leader" is the final and most anticipated award each year and is reserved for the one person who has done the most to advance the industry and his or her own business. The event is attended by top executives from around the world.

"I was truly humbled by this recognition," Thompson said. "The nominees for this award are some highly regarded people who operate massive timeshare empires around the world. It is really an honor for me to bring this award home to Virginia Beach and share it with the Gold Key/PHR team and our strategic partners at Interval International who helped make it possible."

Thompson and his Gold Key/PHR group have developed a number of successful timeshare properties at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, including Ocean Beach Club Resort, Turtle Cay Resort, Boardwalk Resort and Villas, and Beach Quarters Resort. The company's newest resort, OceanAire, is nearing completion and is scheduled to open this Spring.

About Gold Key/PHR

Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts is the Virginia Beach oceanfront's number one employer with up to 2,000 associates in season. The company owns and operates seven properties in the Mid-Atlantic region and oversees approximately 1,700 rooms including the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The integrated hospitality firm owns and/or manages hotels, vacation ownership resorts and leading area restaurants including Mahi Mah's, Catch 31 and Salacia. Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit us at www.goldkeyphr.com.

# # #

Press Contact

Karen Lane

Gold Key/PHR

(757) 213-8902

Have you dated your attraction lately?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:57:55 GMT

RSVP date is: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Registration - Attractions & Restaurants

Registration - Hotels

Kudos to Virginia Beach!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:48:44 GMT

Inside Business: Occupancy up at hotels in Norfolk, Va. Beach

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:06:49 GMT

Posted: January 27, 2012

Inside Business Article

The occupancy rates for Norfolk's and Virginia Beach's hotels are creeping back up toward pre-recession levels, and in 2011, Virginia Beach hotels saw their highest revenues per available room in five years.

Figures show that Norfolk's occupancy rate rose to 57.3 percent in 2011, up from 55.5 percent in 2009 and 56 percent in 2010. In 2007, occupancy rates were 63 percent, the highest over a 10-year period.

"You are not back to where you were, but it's definitely the highest it's been since the downturn," said Bobby Bowers, senior vice president of Smith Travel Research, which provided the numbers.

In Virginia Beach, the occupancy rate rose from 57.5 percent to 59.7 percent. Pre-recession, in 2007, the occupancy rate was 62.4 percent.

Last year, Virginia Beach revenue topped out at more than $262 million, beating annual revenue figures from 2008 to 2010, as well as 2007, when revenue only reached $249.6 million for the year.

In Virginia Beach, RevPar, a measurement of revenue per available room, also was at its highest in 2011 over the five-year period, at $64.89 per room. The second highest RevPar figures came in 2007, before the economy tanked, at $64.41.

A healthy occupancy rate is relative, Bowers said. While hoteliers might appreciate a 50 or 60 percent occupancy, "if you look at occupancy, and it's 50 percent, half of your capacity is going unused," Bowers said.

The national average occupancy rate is about 60 percent, Bowers said.

The increases come as both Nofolk and Virginia Beach are debating the prospect of new hotels.

Developers are proposing hotel projects to revive downtown Norfolk's Waterside Festival Marketplace.

Linda Markert, who until earlier this month was president of the Norfolk Hotel & Motel Association and remains on its board, said the association supports the concept of a new hotel at Waterside, "but we have not seen all the details and we have not seen the other proposals yet."

In Virginia Beach, there is still some concern from the public about a large investment, on the city's part, in a headquarters hotel near the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms canceled a public hearing and city council vote on a headquarters hotel proposal for a 15-story Hyatt Regency, which would have cost the city $61.8 million.

The cost for the city, along with the threat of competition with existing hotels at the Oceanfront, alarmed the community. The entire cost of the project was $109.2 million.

Andy Vakos, part owner of The Oceanfront Inn at 2901 Atlantic Ave., questioned whether the hotel market could handle a development of the magnitude of a headquarters hotel.

"The market has been steady, and it has been going up," Vakos said. "But I'm not really sure if the area could handle a big facility with all the competing venues like that we have in a small drive."

Vakos said a private developer should take on the burden of the cost.

"I feel if there was a need for it, the private sector would come in and build it," he said.

The Williamsburg hotel market hasn't fared nearly as well as Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Occupancy rates in Williamsburg are just 40.9 percent, and RevPar there is $35.

"Something needs to happen with Wililamsburg," said Vinod Agarwal, an ODU professor of economics. "They need to market themselves better." nib

By Bill Cresenzo and Danielle Walker

Forecast 2012: Hotels

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:57:58 GMT

Va. Beach Ranks High In Several Lists

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:51:42 GMT

Va. Beach ranks no. 2 city for raising a family

Updated: Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012, 1:26 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012, 1:26 PM EST

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia Beach was named the second best city in the nation for raising a family, according to financial news website 24/7 Wall Street.

The website examined the nation's 100 largest cities. Each city was rated based on its parks, playgrounds, high schols, children's hospitals, adult education levels, unemployment rate and crime rate.

The website ranked Madison, Wis. as the best place to raise a family. Other cities that rounded out the top five were Raleigh, N.C., Irvine, Calif., and Lincoln, Neb.

The website said, "Virginia Beach is extremely prosperous, due in large part to the presence of several military bases in the area. It has the eighth-lowest rate of violent crime among major cities and the fifth-lowest unemployment rate. It also has the second-largest acreage of parkland per capita, behind only New Orleans, which has suffered huge population losses in recent years. Virginia Beach also has one of the highest numbers of playgrounds per capita in the country."

Earlier this month , 24/7 Wall Street ranked Virginia Beach as the best run city in America.

In addition, Women's Health magazine ranked Virginia Beach as the seventh healthiest city in America . The staff ranked 100 cities based on 38 measures of health and well being, including access to medical care, cancer rates, obesity rates, and longevity.

Virginia Beach CVB & BCF Win In PR News CSR Awards

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:59:11 GMT

The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and BCF together have won in the Media Relations category of the PR News CSR Awards for the "One Beach, One World" FAM Tour!

Click here for more information.

Second Round of Public Meetings Planned for Hilltop SGA

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:33:36 GMT

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2012

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Zywna (757) 385-8025
Jolilda Saunders (757) 385-4621

Second Round of Public Meetings Planned for Hilltop SGA

The public is invited to the second round of meetings that are integral to developing a master plan for the Hilltop Strategic Growth Area, one of eight urban SGAs identified in the city's Comprehensive Plan. As part of a weeklong design charrette, the public is invited to an open house on Wednesday, March 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Laskin Road Annex, 1413 Laskin Road to view the work in progress and to talk with the design team as it explores various future urban design scenarios for the SGA. Use the front entrance. Additional parking is located behind the facility.

Also, a public meeting to view the refined design principles and design alternatives developed during the design charrette is planned for Thursday, March 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the Laskin Road Annex.

In early January, the city held the first round of public meetings to receive broad public input on the SGA's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. These meetings were facilitated by Urban Design Associates, the consultant team, and resulted in a draft set of design principles and potential boundary expansion for the Hilltop SGA. The purpose of the March design charette is to refine these principles into future design alternatives for the SGA and obtain more specific public input.

For information on the Hilltop Strategic Growth Area Plan, contact Debbie Zywna in the Planning and Community Development Department at (757) 385-4621 or visit www.vbgov.com/hilltopplan.

# # #

News Release: VBgov.com/Info

Trends That Will Shape the US Hotel Industry

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:40:25 GMT

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Trends that will shape the US hotel industry
Posted by Jan Freitag at 12:00 AM

This article examines the trends that shaped and will shape the U.S. hotel industry by examining last year's performance and looking at the majorissues facing the U.S. hotel industry.

2011 Recap
2011 was a rebound year and performance results were strong but mostly driven by easy comparables. Room demand increased by 5%, to more than 1.06 billion, the highest number of rooms ever sold. That's an indicator demand from all major sources (business transient, leisure and group) was strong and is expected to remain strong. At the same time, given the lack of available financing, room supply growth was extremely muted and so the number of rooms available grew only 0.6%. This, in turn, led to positive occupancy growth across the board, as well as some pricing power. The year-end U.S. average daily rate was approximately US$101, up 3.6% from 2010. Revenue per available room for the nation increased a very healthy 8.2% to US$61.

Chain Scale Performance
In 2011, the general political discussion centered around the differences between the highest income earner, and the rest of the country-the 99%. In the hotel industry, the 380+ hotels (0.7% of inventory) that make up our luxury chain scale had a different-more positive-performance from all other chain scales. Demand soared 6%, and given the extremely low supply growth of +0.8%, occupancy hit 69.9% for the year.

Hoteliers monetized this opportunity and increased ADR by +5.7% to US$257. Total luxury RevPAR increased +11.1%. In contrast, economy hotels grew ADR by +2.2% (to US$50) and occupancy increased 3.6% to 53.5%, boosting RevPAR to a still healthy 6%. Hotels in the top three scales (luxury, upper-upscale, upscale) all reported occupancy of more than 69%, so hoteliers sold, on average, almost seven out of 10 rooms every night.

Group and Transient Demand
The strong demand numbers were fueled by a rebound in transient rooms (rooms sold in increments of nine or less).

Hoteliers in 2011 sold more transient rooms than in 2007, pointing at the sustained economic recovery and at a rebound in both business and leisure travel. Group demand (rooms sold in increments of 10 or more) was on par with 2010 and 2007, indicating this part of the business booked at a solid pace. ADR growth on the transient side was strong (+4.7% to US$161) yet group ADR increased only slightly (+2.2% to US$147).

The concern is this lack of group room rate growth will continue into 2012 and beyond, as smaller booking windows make pricing decisions in the future somewhat harder to manage. As the demand environment continues to firm up, we do have an expectation group rooms rates also will increase, though not at a pace that is even close to making up for the discounts of 2008 and 2009.

2012 Forecast
Based on, among other things, a macroeconomic forecast for gross-domestic-product growth of approximately 2.2% in 2012, we expect room rates will grow approximately 3.5%. The occupancy will not move much (+0.2%) based on a supply and demand growth that is in equilibrium, leading us to our 2012 RevPAR forecast of +3.7%. This is certainly a far cry from the 2011 performance, but nonetheless slow and steady growth.

This Year Ahead: Jim Ricketts, Director of VBCVB

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:05:19 GMT

The Year Ahead: Jim Ricketts Director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau

Posted: January 6, 2012

Jim Ricketts
Director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau

As chairman of the Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance, I see great opportunities for marketing this region as a tourism destination in 2012.

The following organizations have combined forces to more effectively market "Coastal Virginia": Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, Hampton CVB, Newport News CVB, VisitNorfolk, City of Portsmouth, Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB, Suffolk Division of Tourism, Virginia Beach CVB, Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Norfolk International Airport and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

In the coming year, our goal is to increase visitation to the region for leisure, business, sports, and meetings and conventions. This would include educating the visitors to this region on everything there is to do here and how easily they can access the large array of options each city offers. This initiative will result in visitors staying longer in the region, thereby enhancing the economic impact to Coastal Virginia. Our member destinations know that if a visitor to the region stays longer, everyone will benefit.

CVTA will provide the regional travel and tourism industry with the ability to speak with "one voice" on major issues affecting this industry, such as transportation related to tourism and tourism funding.

This also includes "one voice" to celebrate our $4 billion regional industry during National Travel and Tourism Week in May, from recognizing the people who work day in and day out while providing visitors with a high-quality experience, to thanking our visitors for traveling. The power of "one voice," combined with the collaborative efforts of all the partners, will significantly impact tourism in this region.

On behalf of the members of the alliance, we wish everyone all the best in 2012, and keep traveling.

Virginia Beach Awarded "Industry Appreciation Award" from CBMA

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:55:11 GMT

The City has been awarded one of two "Industry Appreciation Awards" from the Carolina Beach Music Academy. The Industry Appreciation Award was presented for the Beach Music Weekend and the City of Virginia Beach for promoting Beach Music in this area.

The award was originally presented from the Academy to Bobby Melatti and Mike Hilton from Beachevents and Larry Williams. Mr. Williams is a local Beach Music DJ and Shag dance instructor who has been instrumental in helping produce the event for 16 years.

In the attached photo Mike Hilton presented the award to city representatives as follows: from right to left: Jim Ricketts - Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau; Mike Hilton - Beachevents and Mike Eason - Resort Management Office - City of Virginia Beach.

Below is some background information about the award. I hope you will be able to use the photo. If you need anything else, please let me know.

Background:

The awards are voted on by the "Carolina Beach Music Academy" Members. The Academy is made up of Industry Professionals and Beach & Shag Music fans from all over the US and Canada. The Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards are decided by the Advisory Board and Board of Directors made up of CBM professionals.

The celebration of the CBMA Awards (originally called the Cammys for Carolina's Magic Music Years) began in 1995 as an exciting party of performers and fans of Carolina Beach Music. Fourteen bands entertained at the first awards show held in Salisbury, NC. Those in attendance will never forget the memorable event.

Charlotte, NC was home to the CBMAs for the next two years as the awards show continued to grow in size, scope and quality.

In 1998 the CBMAs moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC and the CBMA Weekend was born.

The mission of the CBMA Awards is to promote Carolina Beach Music, its influences and offshoots and the unique Carolina lifestyle by the presentation of a first class awards show that originates each November in North Myrtle Beach, SC. The show honors winners in various categories and remembers the pioneers who originated this music and helped make it great. Those honored are performers, songwriters, radio personalities, mobile DJ's, dancers, producers, engineers, promoters and others who have been integrally involved with the music's success. The further overall purpose is to keep this music alive by getting young people involved in this fun yet clean cut music, to give the music its deserved recognition, respect and credibility, and to bring diverse people together in an upbeat harmonious manner.

The CBMA Awards have become an icon of Carolina Beach Music and the home of this southern tradition.

Here is the complete list of winners:
http://www.cammy.org/winners.html

Boaters Spot Humpback Whales in Virginia Beach

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:55:39 GMT

During the Virginia Aquarium Winter Wildlife Boat Season, several guests has the opportunity to see a juvenile humpback whale show off its tail.

"We had curious bottlenose dolphins near the boats on two trips last Wednesday and Thursday," said Aquarium Boat Interpreter Alexis Rabon. "On one of the morning boats , guests were also treated to many Northern gannets plunge diving, double-crested cormorants diving from the surface of the water, and sightings of brown pelicans, and various gull species," she said.

New Year's Eve morning boat guests saw two humpback whales, all of the previously mentioned birds AND a seal hanging out near Rudee Inlet.

Today the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team confirmed that there are four humpback whales near the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Commission Accepting Human Rights Award Nominations

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:45 GMT

Commission Accepting Human Rights Award Nominations

Monday, December 19, 2011 · 02:30 pm

The Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations through Jan. 27 for the 18th annual Human Rights Awards Program. The commission recognizes noteworthy individuals and groups that have aided in the understanding of cultural diversity and advocated for the human rights of city residents.

The awards committee will evaluate nominees based on community involvement, initiatives and humanitarianism. Eligible nominees are people living or working in Virginia Beach or anyone who has contributed to the promotion of human rights to benefit Virginia Beach residents.

The commission will present several types of awards. New this year is an award honoring youth, which will be given in memory of Helen P. Shropshire, a founding commission member and a lifetime human rights advocate and educator.

"We know there are many people who are committed to promoting awareness of diversity, inclusion and advocacy of human rights, and we look forward to receiving many nominations for these prestigious awards," said Commission Chair Fay B. Silverman.

A nomination form must be attached to all entries. For more details and to obtain a Human Rights Award application, visit www.VBgov.com/hrc or call Human Resources at (757) 385-1158. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 27via e-mail, mail or hand delivery. E-mail completed applications to blhall@vbgov.com. Mail to Department of Human Resources, c/o Human Rights Commission, 2424 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, Va. 23456. Or hand deliver to Municipal Center Bldg. 18, Room 106. Winning nominees will be honored at an awards program in the spring.

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Contemporary Video Art Showing at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:39:18 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Glaser
(757) 385-2170
kglaser@vbgov.com

Contemporary Video Art Showing at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

(Virginia Beach. Va.) - The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitor Bureau is pleased to announce that the Virginia Beach Convention Center will be presenting contemporary video art on its video walls during the holidays. The video wall, the first of its size in the country, will showcase video installations by contemporary video artists, Daniel Phillips, Tricia McLaughlin and Robert Drummond. The artists were selected by the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission in 2005 (McLaughlin and Drummond) and 2009 (Phillips) from a national pool of artists to create an installation that consists of video projected onto four 90-foot wide, 9-foot high walls.

The self-guided viewings are free of charge and open to the public by entering through Hall A. There will be no staged seating or concessions available during these showings and each piece is a few minutes in length. The art will be running on a varied schedule as follows:

December 21 - 23, 28-30, 6-9 p.m.

about the artwork:

Boston-based artist Daniel Phillips' "Boilers, Chillers, Cooling Towers & Water Hammer Arrestors: The Hidden Infrastructure of the Virginia Beach Convention Center" regards the interior architecture of the convention center as a stage set that contains the activity and intentions of its occupants and mechanical devices. The work parallels the frenetic movement of the convention center's occupants by capturing and activating the hidden infrastructure with light and shadow.

Robert Drummond, from Los Angeles, produced a high definition video comprised of textural montages of nature and industry from around Virginia Beach including scenes at the oceanfront, Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, Pungo corn fields, Chesapeake Bay shipping, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and Navy fighter jets. Drummond's composition harmonizes the commercial and natural aspects of our community as a dynamic piece of contemporary video art.

New York City based, McLaughlin was chosen because her animated work was lighthearted, humorous and unique. The 3-D animated characters, Hefty Man and Slender Woman, function as everyman and everywoman and are shown going about their daily lives in fictitious environments including a virtual aquarium. The committee anticipated that McLaughlin's animation would serve as comic relief for guests.

For more information about the Virginia Beach Convention Center, visit www.vbconventioncenter.com.

For more information about the artists, visit www.robertdrummond.com and www.triciamclaughlin.net and Daniel Phillips via the Dodge Gallery http://dodge-gallery.com/cgi-bin/DODGE?s=artists&v=PHILLIPS77515.

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Inside Business Article - Meet Al Hutchinson

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:09:09 GMT

First Person Al Hutchinson
Posted: November 25, 2011

Hutchinson has been selected one of the most influential African American managers in the hospitality/meetings/tourism industry by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine.

On the job

My role is to lead the sales and marketing efforts for the department and to bring in conventions, conferences, meetings and sports events to generate tax revenue for the city of Virginia Beach.

Right now our major focus is to make this a year-round destination. We are always looking for conferences that would like to meet between the months of October and May to assist with moving the needle for visitation and hotel usage for the off season.

This is done with the assistance of eight sales managers that work in different market segments. They are responsible for looking for potential prospects for the city. We do a lot of phone-calling, face-to-face marketing and going to trade shows to bring in potential clients. It's really a multifaceted process we use to attract visitors to Virginia Beach. The big selling feature is the convention center. It's a state-of-the art building that has won more than 12 awards and is recognized as a customer-friendly facility.

On my career

I've been in this position for eight years and in the industry for 19 years. I started working for the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1992, Charlotte Convention Center from 1995 to 1999, Pittsburgh Convention Center and Visitors Bureau 1999-2000, and the Park Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., from 2000 to 2001. I've enjoyed my career because I'm a people person. I enjoy selling a destination and taking a potential customer who had no interest in your destination and showing them all the benefits of this area. It's all about taking them from A to Z.

On challenges

Unlike three or four years ago, the big challenge we face now is the competition. Most cities we compete with have great products and facilities in their region. They are being very aggressive when they go after these clients. Bringing in potential clients is a great way to bring in revenue for businesses. The state of the economy has made it challenging as well. Some groups have downsized and are not meeting like they did in the past. You really have to offer great packages on the front end. Folks don't have time to take three or four looks at your destination. They expect you to give them the best offer right out of the gate. The other challenge is making sure we have the right product to meet the needs of the customer. Some clients are looking for convention centers that are connected to hotels. We don't have that particular product right now so that can be challenging when it comes to folks who are looking for that. We have lost some folks because we don't have that product.

On the community

I think it's extremely important for community leaders to understand the value of what tourism and hospitality bring to Virginia Beach. I try to bring the educational component to it by creating awareness about what we do. It's important to have those partnerships with different community leaders and bring that expertise to the table to help provide them with services. A lot of these leaders are members of major organizations and they can sometimes assist with helping to bring clients to Virginia Beach. It's a common-sense approach.

I want to be part of the community and I want folks to know that I am of service to them if they need me.

On the award

Well, it's humbling to be recognized by your peers in the industry. Even though it's 2011, there are still very few African Americans in a senior management position in hospitality across the country and globe. To be one of those limited numbers makes me feel honored.

It's great to know my contributions to the industry are being recognized. It speaks to my longevity in the industry and to the great people I work with on a daily basis.

Surf-N-Santa 10 Miler & Frosty’s Fun Run 5K

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:06:36 GMT

STRATEGIC GROWTH AREA

RESORT MANAGEMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS OFFICE

Resort Special Event Notice

Surf-N-Santa 10 Miler & Frosty's Fun Run 5K
Saturday, December 3, 2011

Please click here to view information concerning street closures and opening times.

Hutchinson Honored Again by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:22:21 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 3, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tiffany Twine
(757) 385-6646

Hutchinson Honored Again by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine
Featured Among the Most Influential African-Americans in the Industry

Once again, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine announced that Al Hutchinson, vice president of convention sales and marketing for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been selected as one of the most influential African-American managers in the hospitality/meetings/tourism industry. Hutchinson was previously honored in Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine's November-December 2010 issue entitled The Most Influential African Americans in the Meetings/Tourism Industry and will also be recognized in the November-December 2011 issue.

Each year, the magazine presents an annual review of the progress and success of those African-Americans who continue to make significant contributions to the hospitality industry. Those that were selected were commended for their impressive accomplishments, their tenacity and their determination to succeed.

Hutchinson and his staff of 16 are responsible for generating direct spending revenue to the City of Virginia Beach by bringing meetings, conventions, professional trade shows and sports-related events to the city.

"It's no surprise that Al and his staff recently surpassed their fiscal year room-night goals for future Virginia Beach business," said Jim Ricketts, director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Al continues to do an incredible job of selling the new Virginia Beach Convention Center and positioning Virginia Beach as a year-round destination."

Hutchinson is an active leader locally and nationally with the American Society of Association Executives Industry Partners Alliance, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and the Virginia Aquarium Board of Directors.

In addition, Hutchinson has been a long-time member of Destination Marketing Association International, the American Society of Association Executives, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the Professional Convention Management Association and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. Hutchinson previously served on the Urban League of Hampton Roads' Board of Directors and the Virginia Beach Hilltop YMCA's Board of Directors.

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Virginia Beach Tourism Rebounds in 2010 from 2009 Despite Hurricane Irene - Summer 2011 Ends on Optimistic Note

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:20:08 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 3, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
James B. Ricketts (757) 385-6621 jrickett@vbgov.com
Pamela M. Lingle (757) 385-6628 plingle@vbgov.com

Virginia Beach Tourism Rebounds in 2010 from 2009
Despite Hurricane Irene - Summer 2011 Ends on Optimistic Note

(Virginia Beach, VA) The Convention and Visitors Bureau has received 2010 statistics for the tourism industry, as well as, summer economic statistics and visitor profile information. All reports indicate that the Virginia Beach travel and tourism industry is resilient.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) 2010 annual statistics indicate spending by our visitors amounted to $1.129 billion an increase from $1.061 billion in 2009, up 6.5%. This represents $94.93 million in City and State revenue up from $91.63 million in 2009 and $211.30 million in payroll, up from $204.11 million in 2009.

In addition, despite Hurricane Irene in August, the summer hotel statistics remained positive. Year to date statistics through September 2011 from Smith Travel Research (STR) are as follows: Occupancy up 3.2%; Room Nights Sold up 3% and Revenue up 3.6%. (Note: STR statistics represent the major hotels in Virginia Beach, they do not represent cottages, campgrounds or timeshares/condos.)

The 2011 Summer Overnight Profile of Virginia Beach visitors revealed: average household income was up to $92,982; length of stay was 4.4 days; average party size was 4; average spending per party was up to $1,969; 91.4% plan to return, and over 27% were first time visitors.

"In spite of the down economy and Hurricane Irene in August, the Virginia Beach tourism industry was able to post strong figures for 2010 and through the summer of 2011" said Jim Ricketts, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This is a tribute to the commitment our community has made to product development and to the high quality customer service that our destination has become known for."

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National League of Cities Recognizes Virginia Beach for Its Green Hospitality Initiatives

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:09:44 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 3, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pamela M. Lingle
plingle@VisitVirginiaBeach.com
(757)385-6628

National League of Cities Recognizes Virginia Beach for Its Green Hospitality Initiatives

The City has been selected to participate in the 2011 National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities and Exposition, November 9-12 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Virginia Beach hospitality industry application (submitted by the Convention and Visitors Bureau) titled Virginia Beach: A "Virginia Green" Destination was selected as one of 24 programs from around the country invited to share information at the convention as part of the NLC's City Showcase Program.

Programs selected were examples of creative collaborations, increased efficiency, and enhanced quality of life for residents. In addition, programs were chosen in key areas of interest to cities in these difficult times that will serve as models for other communities. The areas include economic development, sustainability, infrastructure and children and families. Virginia Beach's program was selected in the category of Economic Development.

Highlighted in the application were: the grassroots Virginia Beach GREEN TEAM who started the green/ sustainability hospitality efforts; the LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings for the Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC); the VBCC participation in the ENERGY STAR program; the energy efficiency efforts and "Virginia Green" certification for the Visitor Information Center (VIC); the over 100 Virginia Beach hospitality businesses that are "Virginia Green" certified (hotels/restaurants/events/attractions); recycling at the beach and hybrid buses at the oceanfront.

"This is great recognition for the strides the City has made and continues to make to offer our visitors a more eco-friendly destination," stated Jim Ricketts, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This acknowledgement is a tribute to the hospitality industry, the Convention and Visitors Bureau staff and the City departments and agencies who work day in and day out to continually enhance the sustainability of our hospitality industry."

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National Tourism Week 2012 Nominations

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:38:07 GMT

National Travel & Tourism Week is quickly approaching!

The 2012 National Travel & Tourism Week Hospitality Employee Awards Luncheon will be held Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center (1000 19th Street). We invite you to nominate an employee who has been outstanding in the operation of your hospitality business!

SELECT FORM BELOW:

NOMINATION FORM (PDF)
Print only - Handwrite and submit by mail or email

FILLABLE NOMINATION FORM
Type within document and submit by mail or email

ONLINE NOMINATION FORM
Complete and submit online

Deadline for nominations:

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Note: If you have trouble using the fillable form, disable "Protected View" in Microsoft Word and re-open the form. Also, you may need to save the form, close it and re-open to enable form-filling feature.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday .. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:04:39 GMT

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday can drive shoppers to small businesses across the country as we enter the holiday season, and you can be instrumental to its success.

Small Business Saturday was launched last year as a nationwide event to drive shoppers to local, independently-owned merchants. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support last year. 100,000 small businesses downloaded marketing materials, and 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising.

Small Business Saturday is now a national initiative that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. More than 200 partners are working together to build on the success of last year's event that drove millions of dollars to small businesses. This year, it falls on November 26.

You can play a critical role in raising the awareness of Small Business Saturday and providing support for the small businesses in your community. Help share messaging through your communication channels, including newsletters, email, website and social media by using the following tools to help you communicate:

Small Business Saturday Logo
Small Business Saturday Website Banners
Small Business Saturday Links
Sample Press Release
Sample Email Messages
Employee/Constituent Memo Template
Sample Social Media Messages
Small Business statistics
Information on how small businesses can get involved in Small Business Saturday

You can lead the effort in your community by getting the word out to small businesses about the tools available to help promote their businesses. Small business owners can go to facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday.

Show your support for local small businesses by leading the Small Business Saturday efforts in your community. Engage the small businesses to participate and encourage consumers to Shop Small on November 26!

Shane Berry
Senior Vice President, National Client Group
American Express

Ypartnership Survey Shows Travel Information Trust Varies by Age

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:01:19 GMT

By Kate Rice
October 25, 2011 2:15 PM

The young have a different perspective on life in general than their elders, and this distinction carries through to the consumption -- and trust in -- travel information. Different generations trust different sources for information about destinations and travel suppliers, according to theYpartnership/Harrison Group 2011 Portrait of American Travelers.

Younger members of society consume media differently than their older counterparts. Message credibility also varies by medium across each of the major generational clusters. This is particularly true when it comes to the use of online information sources.

When considering vacation destinations, input from family and friends still holds the most weight among all consumer groups, regardless of age. Approximately four out of five American travelers have the highest degree of confidence in personal recommendations.

Millennials (18 to 32 years of age), however, are more likely than their older counterparts to have confidence in the information they obtain from online sources such as blogs (54 percent), destination websites (53 percent) or things they have seen on YouTube or other online video sharing communities (35 percent).

Interestingly, Xers (33 to 46 years of age) are more likely than Millennials or Boomers (47 to 65 years of age) to trust information on the website of an online travel agency (63 percent) such as Expedia or Travelocity. They are also more likely than Boomers and/or Matures (66 years of age and older) to have confidence in destination and lodging reviews on a blog (46 percent); information found on a company's or destination's website (53 percent); information in travel brochures (47 percent); articles in newspapers, magazines, programs on TV and radio (48 percent); or things they have seen on YouTube or other online video sharing community sites (29 percent).

Boomers are more likely than Matures to have confidence in reviews on blogs (32 percent) or information found in travel advertising (26 percent). They are less likely than their younger counterparts to have confidence in reviews on online advisory sites such as TripAdvisor (51 percent), however, or things they have read or seen on a social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter (18 percent).

Not surprisingly, Matures are less likely than their younger counterparts to have confidence in online sources such as reviews or information appearing on an online travel agency website (43 percent) or online advisory site (35 percent). They are also less likely to have confidence in information found in travel brochures (34 percent) or travel advertising (19 percent). Compared to leisure travelers in the other generational cohorts, Matures are more likely to have confidence in the recommendations of a travel agent (51 percent).

Virginia Beach Minority Business Council Will Hold 2011 Conference and Expo

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:30:40 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharon Foster
(757) 385-4067

Virginia Beach Minority Business Council Will Hold 2011Conference and Expo
Virginia Secretary of Commerce Jim Cheng to Deliver Keynote

The Minority Business Council of Virginia Beach will conduct its16th annual Conference and Expo on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The theme of this year's expo is "Connect & Grow Your Business." Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, will deliver the keynote speech at 3 p.m.

This annual event was developed for area small, woman, minority and service-disabled owned businesses to promote their goods and services. Conference and Expo attendees will have an opportunity to network with business owners, learn strategies for success from experienced professionals, and share their company's capabilities with procurement officials from across the Commonwealth.

An informative series of workshops will offer current information on topics like "Business Strategies and Leadership" and "Capital Funding Sources."

On-site registration for the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE) Small, Woman and Minority (SWaM) Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program will also be available.

Online registration for this event is available by visiting www.vbgov.com/mbc and following the link for Minority Business Council and Expo.

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News Release: VBgov.com/Info

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Halloween Race To Have Record Field!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:56:25 GMT

Bob Schniedwind
Media Director
J&A Racing
757-412-1056
bob@jandaracing.com

For Immediate Release

HALLOWEEN RACE TO HAVE RECORD FIELD!

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - October 12, 2011 - The Third Annual Blue Moon Wicked 10k and Old Point National Bank Monster Mile, presented by Bon Secours In Motion, will have a record number of ghosts, goblins, pirates, princesses, villains, superheroes, and many more making their way along the Virginia Beach oceanfront on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Billed as Virginia's largest outdoor costume party, the enormously popular Halloween themed event was expanded to 10,000 participants for 2011, and is expected to sell out for the third straight year. At least 75% of race participants don some sort of costume for the 10k or mile race, and everyone enjoys the post race party on the beach featuring Blue Moon beverages, chili bowls from Baker's Crust, live music from local band Rock Star Parking, dance presentations, and a spirited costume contest celebration. The weekend also includes a Sports & Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Friday, October 28, and new for 2011, the Wicked Ball, to be held Saturday evening to benefit a local children's charity.

As popular as the race is with participants, it is equally appreciated by local hotel/motel owners and merchants. Nearly 30% of the 9,000+ participants registered to date are from outside Hampton Roads - including runners from 38 different states - and several hotels are booked to capacity. "We are extremely happy to support such great events as the Blue Moon Wicked 10k," stated Jim Ricketts, Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, "because they bring so many people to our wonderful resort city and support so many local businesses outside the summer tourist season."

Individuals interested in more information or who would like to sign up for this fun, festive affair can visit www.wicked10k.com.

About J&A Racing

The owners of J&A Racing, Amy and Jerry Frostick, began their careers as race directors in 2003 when they took over the Shamrock Sportsfest. Since then, The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend has grown from 3,000 participants to over 24,000 in 2011, making it one of the most popular race events in the country. The 2012 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend will run from 16-18 March, 2012, and will include the marathon, the Anthem Half Marathon, the TowneBank 8k, the Operation Smile Final Mile, and a Children's Marathon. The Frosticks' race portfolio of fun, festive, and family-oriented events has grown to include the Halloween inspired Blue Moon Wicked 10k and Old Point National Bank Monster Mile, presented by Bon Secours in Motion, to be conducted on October 29, 2011; the Samuel Adams Surf-n-Santa 10 Miler and Frosty's 5k to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011; and the Valentine's Day themed Virginia is For Lovers 14k & 1.4 Miler which will be run on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

For information on all of the J&A Racing events, please visit www.jandaracing.com.

Mayor Sessoms to Present Community Challenge to End Homelessness at BEACH Meeting on Nov. 4

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:15:11 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 12, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew M. Friedman
(757) 385-5752

Mayor Sessoms to Present Community Challenge to End Homelessness at BEACH Meeting on Nov. 4

The public is invited to join BEACH at its general membership meeting, "Renew Our Commitment to Ending Homelessness," on Friday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Family, 1279 N. Great Neck Road. The meeting, which will feature remarks and a community challenge from Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., will highlight the city's progress in ending homelessness and future projects.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions and join active committees working to understand and address issues such as service coordination, family and single homelessness, advocacy, and city plans and programs. To attend, register by Nov. 1 with Bill Dore' at (757) 385-5736 or bdore@vbgov.com. Space is limited.

BEACH, which stands for Bringing an End to All City Homelessness, is a community partnership between citizens and faith, business, nonprofit and city organizations. The partnership seeks to better address homelessness through enhanced cooperation and communication, coordinated service delivery, resource development and new strategies.

For more information about BEACH, contact Andrew Friedman at (757) 385-5752 or visit www.beachcp.org.

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News Releases: VBgov.com/Info

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Governor McDonnell Announces 2010 Tourism Economic Impact Figures

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:36:57 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2011

Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Email: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Tourism Corporation
Contact: Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
Phone: (804) 545-5573
Email: ttanderson@virginia.org

Governor McDonnell Announces 2010 Tourism Economic Impact Figures
~Tourism revenue up 6.7 percent statewide over 2009~

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that visitors to Virginia generated $18.9 billion in revenue in 2010, a 6.7 percent increase over 2009. In 2010, tourism in Virginia supported 204,000 jobs and provided more than $1.3 billion in state and local taxes. The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

"The increase in revenue from tourism is very encouraging," said Governor McDonnell. "Given current economic conditions across the country, a 6.7 percent increase is impressive. Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, which is why I continue to advocate for more resources for tourism marketing. It is a smart investment for the state that provides economic benefits to communities across the Commonwealth."

The 6.7 percent growth in domestic visitor spending follows Governor McDonnell's recent announcement that tourism spending by overseas travelers to Virginia increased by more than 12 percent in 2010. Additionally, Canadian visitors to Virginia showed an even greater increase as nearly 575,000 Canadians traveled to Virginia and spent more than $133 million, a 16.6 percent increase in spending over 2009.

"We are pleased to have tourism revenue trending upward," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "However the economy continues to pose challenges for visitors and our industry. We'll work with our industry partners to build on these positive gains, increase our marketing efforts and bring more visitors to Virginia."

For information about Virginia's travel destinations and trip planning resources, visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.

Note to media: detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.Vatc.org under Research.

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Click here to view Virginia Beach statistics.

Virginia Beach & VSAE Give Back to ForKids on the Tradeshow Floor!

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:23:33 GMT

Click image above for larger picture.

Leaves Fall but Autumn Heats Up With Delectable Dishes and Foodie Events in Virginia Beach

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:48:42 GMT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ron Kuhlman Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau | 757.385.4700
Kari Journigan BCF | 757.497.4811 | kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com

Leaves Fall but Autumn Heats Up With Delectable Dishes and Foodie Events in Virginia Beach

Fresh Local Cuisine, Food Tours and Sweet Indulgences Paired with Cooler Temperatures Make the Resort City the Perfect Fall Getaway

(Virginia Beach, Va., September 6, 2011) - While some may think of Virginia Beach as a summer destination, its mild temperatures, amazing outdoor adventures and sumptuous local cuisine make it the hot spot to visit during the cooler months. Its four seasons elicit sumptuous coastal cuisine the resort city is renowned for - a rich culinary style with fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay mixed with organic produce straight from local farms. Inside the city's nearly 300 restaurants, many locally-owned and operated, chefs continue to create their own signature dishes and serve fresh ingredients indigenous to the region. Culinary travelers also can delight in Virginia Beach's farmers markets, where seasonal treats and a wide variety of organic selections abound.

The following autumn story ideas are centered on Virginia Beach's coastal cuisine scene. For information or images on travel in Virginia Beach please visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com or www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom.

Experience the Diversity of Coastal Virginia's Cuisine during the New Coastal Harvest Feast Food Tour: Take a four-day tour through the coastal region to discover the unique cuisine and culture of Virginia Beach and her sister cities. During the Coastal Harvest Feast Food Tour, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery while visiting Virginia Beach, Norfolk, the Eastern Shore, Smithfield and Surry. Meet fisherman, farmers and winemakers from around the region as you sip award-winning wines, visit a clam-cultivating aqua farm, learn the fine art of curing Smithfield ham and observe the long-standing tradition of Virginia peanut preparation. Other tours are also available including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour and the Norfolk Granby Street Food Tour. For more information on the Harvest Feast Food Tour or any of the other tours, visit www.CoastalFoodTours.com.

Hoedowns and Cruise-Ins: The Virginia Beach Farmers Market Offers More than Produce: Relax in the crisp fall air with a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a hoedown under the stars at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. Every Friday night from 7 - 11 p.m. through the end of October, kids can bring their parents to enjoy live music from local bands, family activities and mouth-watering food. On Saturday nights through the end of October, a Saturday Night Classic Cruise-In is the hot event from 5 - 9 p.m. Classic cars are displayed along with music, food and family activities. Both events are free and open to the public. Visit www.vbgov.com/farmersmarket for more information.

Indulge the Sweet Tooth with Virginia Beach's Confectionaries: Tour some of Virginia Beach's most renowned chocolate factories and take a dip into a world of deliciousness on a sweet culinary adventure. Visit the Schakolad Chocolate Factory and get a taste of handmade, European-style chocolates as you explore their internationally-acclaimed factory. Then, try delectable fondue at The Royal Chocolate, located in the Virginia Beach Town Center. Choose from a variety of dipping ingredients like strawberries, apples, bananas, pretzels and pound cake to immerse yourself in a world of chocolate. Visit Forbes Taffy and enjoy saltwater taffy, peanut brittle and other candies and chocolates that have been made in Virginia Beach for over 80 years. You can purchase Forbes Candies at 3 locations along the resort area: at 24^th, 28^th and 31^st Streets or you can tour the manufacturing plant also located in Virginia Beach. Visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for more information.

Celebrate All Things Food and Drink in Virginia Beach this Season: Virginia Beach still buzzes with many festivals and events to enjoy throughout the fall months. Sample more than 50 craft beers from over 25 breweries at the Craft Beer Festival on October 22 - 23. Celebrate and give thanks this Thanksgiving holiday at the Founders Inn & Spa which is offering a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy turkey, stuffing, and all the scrumptious holiday trimmings. Reservations for the dinner are required. Adults are $39.95 and children are $19.95. The Old Beach Farmer Market will be open for their fall market on October 15 and for their holiday market on November 19 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Purchase local produce and other items in the parking lot of Croc's 19^th Street Bistro. For a comprehensive list of Virginia Beach events, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.

Enjoy the Taste of Autumn with the Coastal Grill's Signature Acorn Squash Recipe: Acorn squash is one of the many favorite side dishes offered at Coastal Grill in Virginia Beach. The restaurant sells about 600 bushels every year of their signature acorn squash side dish. Even though acorn squash is available every month but March, the fall and winter months are when they are the most popular. Coastal Grill is located just 3 miles from the resort area and has been a local's favorite for fresh seafood since 1989. The restaurant also supports the Buy Fresh, Buy Local movement and is certified Virginia Green. Enjoy Coastal Grill's Signature Acorn Squash recipe as a side dish during holiday gatherings, or just for the heck of it!

Coastal Grill's Signature Acorn Squash

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Split acorn squash in half from stem to tip.
With spoon, scoop out all seeds.
On a sheet pan or pie tin, place squash hollowed side down. Add ½ inch of water to the pan.
Once preheated, place in oven for 35-40 minutes, or until you can prick the skin with a knife. Be careful not to punch too large a hole in the squash for it will not hold butter.
Invert squash and add a pat of sweet butter and a tablespoon of brown sugar.

Virginia Beach entices visitors to "Live the Life" year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day's drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800/822-3224) or visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning. For media information and digital images, click on www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom . Please follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/vabeachcvb and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachVA.

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Mayor Sessoms Hails Modeling and Simulation Industry; World Conference and Expo Kicks Off Next Week

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:43:42 GMT

Wednesday, October 05, 2011 · 11:30 am

In advance of one of the country's largest modeling and simulation conferences, Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. hailed the industry as one of the cornerstones of Hampton Roads' economy.

With nearly 100 companies and military commands in Hampton Roads - including 20 in Virginia Beach - modeling and simulation is a major employer in the region. Scientists in southeast Virginia are at the forefront of one of the nation's most exciting and innovative industries.

"Modeling and simulation is an economic development engine for Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia," the mayor said, declaring the week of Oct. 9 to 15 as Modeling and Simulation Week. "Critical sectors are increasingly reliant on modeling and simulation to support our military, emergency preparedness, energy, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, and health and medicine."

Next week, the nation's leading scientists and educators will discuss exciting new developments in modeling and simulation at the MODSIM World Conference & Expo, Oct. 11 to 14 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. The conference is open to students, educators and the general public. It will feature tracks on defense, homeland security and first responders; serious games and virtual worlds; health and medicine; human dimension and education.

For more information on the conference and expo, visit www.modsimworldconference.com, call (757) 842-4825 or e-mail info@modsimworldconference.com.

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306mcg

U.S. National Table Tennis Championships To Be Held In Virginia Beach

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:16:07 GMT

October 3, 2011
For Immediate Release

U.S. NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD IN VIRGINIA BEACH

The City of Virginia Beach has been selected by USA Table Tennis - the national governing body for the Olympic sport of table tennis in the United States - to hold the US National Table Tennis Championships at the Virginia Beach Convention Center December 13-17, 2011.

Hampton Roads residents will not only have an opportunity to witness but to participate in this exciting event by entering a recently created category for "first time players". Entry fees for this event have been structured to encourage recreational players - those players who have never competed in a USATT tournament. For $30 (plus a $10 one-time players pass and a $10 rating fee) players are encouraged to bring their skills out of the recreation rooms, basements and garages to share in the fun and excitement of competing in a national-level tournament against other non-rated players. Entry forms are available on the Nationals website at: www.usnationalsvabeach.com."

Spectators are also welcomed and encouraged to attend the 5-day event. The fee is $20 which includes all four days - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Children under 12 are admitted free. Events for Saturday, December 17 will be $20 for most finals events and $25 for the Men's and Women's Singles finals.

Dean Johnson, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the US Nationals said: "by bringing this major sporting event to Virginia Beach, the residents of Hampton Roads will get to witness the athleticism and skill of hundreds of top rated domestic table tennis players in one of the largest table tennis competitions in North America. Participants will compete in over 60 events on 90 tables in the playing hall. We believe that the economic impact of the US Nationals coming to Virginia Beach will be very positive for the entire area. We expect close to 1,000 players; add to that friends, parents, coaches plus several thousand spectators over the five day event and it amounts to a substantial boost in revenue for the hotels and restaurants at the oceanfront in mid-December, a traditionally slow time of year."

Johnson added: "Our goal is to produce the finest table tennis event of the year - in one of the best venues in the Country - an event that will exceed the expectations of players and spectators alike. This is going to be an historic event not to be missed. I urge participants to submit entry forms early at either the USATT website: www.usatt.org or the 2011 Nationals website: www.usnationalsvabeach.com." Deadline for entries is November 1.

For more information, please contact:
Dean Johnson
T 757-478-3605
E usnationals2011@aol.com
W www.usnationalsvabeach.com

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About USA Table Tennis:
USATT is the national governing body for table tennis in the United States. Created in 1933 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado its staff serves the 8,000-plus members and nearly 300 clubs that are affiliated with USATT. It oversees a wide variety of membership services, the national teams, rules of the game and numerous online instructional and historical articles. USATT is governed and run by the nine-member board of directors, committees and professional staff. USATT is affiliated with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the world governing body for table tennis, as well as the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

J&A Racing Announces Youth Fitness Initiative

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:09:06 GMT

Bob Schniedwind
Media Director
J&A Racing
757-412-1056
bob@jandaracing.com

For Immediate Release

J&A RACING ANNOUNCES YOUTH FITNESS INITIATIVE

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - September 28, 2011 - Jerry and Amy Frostick, owners of J&A Racing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are pleased to announce the J&A Racing Youth Fitness Initiative, an athletic program for elementary students to promote youth fitness and to combat childhood obesity. J&A Racing is the parent organization for the Shamrock Operation Smile Final Mile, one of five races which comprise the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend held each year in March at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Students taking part in the Final Mile program run or walk 25.2 miles at school and at home in the weeks leading up to the event, and then run their "final mile" on race day to complete their 26.2 mile marathon. More than 3,500 students participated in the 2011 event.

The Youth Fitness Initiative was created to make the program affordable each year for one Virginia Beach elementary school at which the majority of students come from an economically challenged environment. The selected school will receive up to 100 free entries to the 2012 Shamrock Operation Smile Final Mile, to be conducted on March 17, and J&A Racing will also provide support and coaching for a weekly after school run/walk program to prepare students for the event. "We are excited to be offering the Youth Fitness Initiative," said J&A co-owner and Shamrock co-race director Jerry Frostick. "We want as many children as possible to have the opportunity to take part in the wonderful Final Mile program, and to be exposed to the many benefits of life long fitness. This initiative is one small way we can ensure that happens."

Eligible schools received application packages in late August, and the selected school will be notified by November 1, 2011. Questions about the initiative should be directed to J&A Racing's Youth Fitness Initiative coordinator, Bob Schniedwind, either by e-mail at bob@jandaracing.com, or by calling (757) 412-1056.

About J&A Racing

For information on all of the J&A Racing events, please visit www.jandaracing.com.

Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival Named One of North America’s 100 Best Events for 2012

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:47:02 GMT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ron Kuhlman Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau | 757.385.4700
Kari Journigan BCF | 757.497.4811 | kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com

American Bus Association Names the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival One of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012

The Patriotic Festival Offers the Blue Angels Oceanfront Air Show, National Recording Artists, Military Displays and Tributes, June 1-3, 2012

(Virginia Beach, Va., September 27, 2011) - The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that the 2012 Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival, to be held June 1-3, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates the Patriotic Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.

The 2012 Patriotic Festival will offer an Oceanfront Air Show, headlined by the Blue Angels, for the first time during this event. The Blue Angel C-130 "Fat Albert" along with the rest of the Blue Angels Squadron will perform in conjunction with OpSail 2012 Virginia, a commemoration of the War of 1812, and the United States Navy. In addition to the air show, the festival will include military displays and demonstrations, food and beverage vendors and entertainment by the popular reggae group Steel Pulse, as well as other national recording artists. Admission to the Patriotic Festival is free, although VIP tickets can be purchased for concerts as well as the air show. Visit www.patrioticfestival.com for more details.

With the release of the ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, they celebrate 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries, has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

According to studies completed by researchers at George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $11,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, as well as a variety of other relevant criteria. The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/News-Publications/Top-100.

For more information on Virginia Beach, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com. For media information or images, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom.

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International News

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:34:12 GMT

DID YOU KNOW……

In Virginia Beach, International Tourism is an important part of our strategic growth and proves to be a vibrant market for the future. In 2010, Virginia Beach partnered with Capital Region USA (CRUSA) and several overseas tour operators to generate the highest number of room night bookings within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Within the CRUSA Partnership, Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC, Virginia generated 32% of potential room nights, Maryland, 21% and Washington DC, 46%. Tourism spending by overseas travelers in Virginia increased by more than 12 percent in 2010. New figures released by Capital Region USA (CRUSA) show international tourism spending was a record $321 million in 2010, up $35 million from 2009.

Additionally, Virginia's efforts to market to visitors from Canada are providing direct benefits to the Commonwealth. New results show that in 2010 direct spending by Canadian visitors showed an even greater increase as nearly 575,000 Canadians traveled to Virginia and spent more than $133 million, a 16.6 percent increase in spending over 2009.

A Winery Might Bright Some Cheer

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:32:47 GMT

By Rita Frankenberry
The Virginian-Pilot

A winery that would capitalize on the historic architecture of the Whitehurt-Buffington House, and about three of the undeveloped acres it stands on, might soon get the green light from the City Council.

During a closed session last week, the council discussed this proposal and two others to develop the old farmhouse property.

Though a final vote is still several months away, the winery idea already has the support of the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission and most council members.

"We're always supposed to be looking for economic dvelopment, especially now," Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson said. "We need something that's going to add revenue to our tax base rather than take away."

An invitation for bids
The house, built in the 1790s and near the city's Municipal Center, is boarded up and has fallen into disrepair. Estimates to rehabilitate the city-owned structure are about $200,000.

The city, interested in finding a way to restore and maintain the property without using city funding, requested proposals on how to develop it earlier this year.

By April, the city had received three bids.

In addition to Norfolk resident Jennifer Eichert's proposal to transform the property into the Mermaid Winery, another proposal came from Gareth R. Whitehurst, a Whitehurst family descendant living in Florida who offered to buy the old farmhouse from the city for $150,000.

"He wants it to document the Whitehurst family genealogy," said Wilson, adding that Whitehurst's proposal also requested a city-provided docent to run the facility.

A third bid came from the Whitehurst-Buffington House Foundation and the Virginia Beach-based Foundation for the Fine Arts, seeking to turn the property into a nonprofit, community-based nature center.

Foundation proposes collaboration
Phyllis Sawyer, president of the Whitehurst-Buffington House Foundation, said the nature center would partner with groups like the Boy Scouts of America and the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville.

In addition to having exhibits there, the center could offer natural-history classes and outdoor programs and host city events and groups, Sawyer said.

If the foundation's idea is approved by the City Council, Joe Keiper, executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History, said the Whitehurst-Buffington House would become one of three outreach programs.

The museum has educators at facilities in Charlottesville and Hampton.

"It would give us an opportunity to serve that part of the area," Keiper said, adding that the site is a perfect place for such a nature program. "It sits on a wonderful parcel of 200 acres of land. That's what makes this opportunity so attractive to us."

Paying the way
The 217 acres surrounding the historic house are part of the West Neck Creek Natural Area, which includes three miles of walking trails and a one-third-mile paved trail loop.

Sawyer said her group proposed leasing the property from the city and maintaining and renovating it with Whitehurst-Buffington Foundation funding.

Some City Council members are concerned that Virginia Beach would get saddled with some of the operating expenses relating to the Whitehurst-Buffington property should it be turned into a nature center.

In fiscal year 2011, which ended June 30, the city spent about $165,000 on maintenance and operating costs for three historical properties - the Ferry Plantation House, deWitt Cottage and the Old Coast Guard Station.

"My concern is long-term, what's best for the property and the citizens," Wilson said. "at the end of the day, is it still going to cost taxpayers money?"

Earlier this year Mac Rawls, chairman of the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission, said finding a light-commercial use for the historic property would be a way to maintain the house and provide revenue to the city.

"Historic-house attendance is dropping throughout the state," Rawls said previously, also noting that these properties rarely make enough revenue to operate on their own.

Moving forward
The City Council's decision last week will allow Eichert to move forward with plans to develop the Mermaid Winery.

Eichert plans to lease the building and about 2.4 acres of the property, which still needs to be rezoned to allow for her proposal. Some of the acreage would be reserved for a 2,000-square-foot wine-making facility where Eichert would eventually produce her own bottled wines.

She plans on growing Petit Manseng grapes on about three-fourths of another acre, which would be used for white wines produced on the property. Eichert's plans also include an heirloom garden, an area to host wedding receptions, and wine-tasting rooms and offices in the house.

Development of the Whitehurst-Buffington property still faces a public hearing and a final vote by the City Council later this fall.

If the council approves her plan, Eichert said that in about three years she would be able to bottle the wine grown in her Virginia Beach vineyard. She also expects to hire six to 12 full-time employees and have annual sales of more than $500,000.

Wilson said the winery is a good adaptive reuse of the property that would allow the house to be restored and also generate revenue for the city.

"It just seems like so many pluses," she added.

Click here to view the article in a Beacon copy.

Shriners Do A Little Clowning Around at Oceanfront

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:12:09 GMT

Beacon Article - September 22, 2011

Drum and bugle corps, mounted patrols and motorized units entertained crowds along Atlantic Avenue on Sept. 10 for the annual Shriners parade.

"We really like coming out here to see the parade," said Richard Boone, who brought his son, Jack. Boone and his son are pictured below.

"I like the little cars they drive!" exclaimed Jack.

Shriners fundraising provides free care to children with burn injuries or orthopedic problems.

Members of the Khedive Shriners Corvettes Unit of Chesapeake brought their miniature 1975 replicas. Capable of up to 45 mph, the cars receive upgrades during their decades of service - disc brakes, fresh paint, modified exhaust and more.

Text and photos by CHAD RAY Correspondent

Click here to view article in Beacon copy.

Bloomberg Businessweek ranks Virginia Beach as 8th Best City in America

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:09:39 GMT

Virginia Beach is 8th best city in U.S., magazine says

By Deirdre Fernandes, Tom Shean
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 22, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

Take that, San Francisco. Here's a bean in your eye, Boston.

Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Virginia Beach No. 8 in its listing of America's 50 Best Cities. The Beach beat out such metro areas as New York City (14th), Seattle (13th), San Francisco (9th) and Boston (16th).

"Endless miles of sandy beaches and a happening three-mile boardwalk, along with thousands of acres of parks, make Virginia Beach a beautiful place to live," the magazine noted.

The rankings were based on criteria such as the number of restaurants, unemployment rates, public school performance, crime, recreational opportunities and museums.

Raleigh, N.C., came in first. Irving, Texas, squeaked in at No. 50.

Chesapeake also got a nod - No. 21.

Bloomberg Businessweek noted Chesapeake's well-heeled residents and low poverty.

The city is also benefits from amenities in nearby Virginia Beach and Norfolk (which, did not make the cut), the publication noted.

"I think it's deserved. I think we've got something going that people recognize," Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said Wednesday.

Check out the listings by clicking here.

Click here to view the Virginia Beach listing.

PilotOnline article can be viewed here.

Oceanaire Resort & Conference Center in Virginia Beach Moves Closer To Completion

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:21:13 GMT

Posted: September 07, 2011 3:55 PM

This week marks the topping out of the $32 million Oceanaire Resort & Conference Center, one of Virginia Beach's newest properties. The private project by Gold Key/PHR of Virginia Beach will add a 191,000-square-foot, 18-story addition in what is Phase III of the existing Ocean Beach Club & Resort located on the city's oceanfront.

Just before Labor Day Virginia Beach officials, Gold Key/ PHR executives and project partners joined MEB General Contractors on the 10th floor deck of the project to celebrate the topping out, which is four weeks ahead of schedule.

"On the heels of an earthquake and a hurricane, this celebration represents a critical step in the development of this third phase. The finishes and aesthetic of this resort are of a caliber typically only
seen in South Beach and Las Vegas," Mark Olmstead, senior vice president of MEB and project manager, said in a statement. The project is expected to open in by mid-summer 2012.

Click here to view article at the Virginia Business website.

Virginia Beach CVB “One Beach, One World” FAM Tour

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:11:05 GMT

Media Coverage - Virginia Beach CVB "One Beach, One World" FAM Tour

Click here to see .pdf version (with images!)

CONVENE Magazine

Following the FAM tour in Virginia Beach, freelancer Maureen Littlejohn wrote an article, "One Beach, One World' in

Virginia," which was featured in the July 2011 issue of PCMA's Convene magazine and on www.pcma.org - a combined total circulation of over 45,000.

http://www.pcma.org/Convene/Issue-Archives/July-2011/Plenary/Convene-On-Site-Virginia.htm

Successful Meetings Magazine

Following the FAM tour in Virginia Beach, senior editor Andrea Doyle wrote an article called "Making a Big Impact on a

Small Group," which was featured in the July 2011 issue of Successful Meetings magazine and on www.successfulmeetings.com. Andrea Doyle also authored a post on Meetings Strategy, a blog on successfulmeetings.com, "Seeing CSR Passion Projects Through." The combined circulation totaled nearly 55,000.

Magazine Article: http://www.successfulmeetings.com/Event-Planning/conference-management/Articles/Seeing-CSR-Passion-Projects-Through/

Blog: http://www.successfulmeetings.com/Event-Planning/Conferences/Articles/CSR--Making-a-Big-Impact-on-a-Small-Group/

Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine

Following the FAM tour in Virginia Beach, freelancer Cheray O'Neal wrote an article titled "Virginia Beach, Live the

Life," which was featured in the July/August 2011 issue of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine and on www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com. The magazine's circulation is nearly 30,000.

http://digital.copcomm.com/title/4613

Meet Naturally Newsletter (ASAE)

Following the FAM tour in Virginia Beach, senior writer Kristin Clarke wrote two articles that were featured in the

July/August 2011 issue of Meet Naturally, a newsletter published by ASAE's Convene Green Alliance with a circulation

of 1,200. She authored an additional article centered on Virginia Beach, which will be featured in the September issue of

Meet Naturally and is currently writing a fourth piece that is slated to run later this fall.

http://www.securewebcc.com/sites/S38/index.php?p=2062#1

http://www.securewebcc.com/sites/S38/index.php?p=2062#3

Businessweek Names Virginia Beach Among the 10 Best Cities in America

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:52:49 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 21, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mary Hancock, (757) 385-4436
mhancock@vbgov.com

Businessweek Names Virginia Beach Among the 10 Best Cities in America

Citing the city's natural beauty, great schools and low unemployment and crime rates, Bloomberg Businessweek has named Virginia Beach as the eighth-best city in the United States.

Virginia Beach was rated No. 8, ahead of such cities as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The magazine said: "Endless miles of sandy beaches and a happening three-mile boardwalk, along with thousands of acres of parks, make Virginia Beach a beautiful place to live. The city has low unemployment, more than a thousand restaurants to choose from, great schools, and low levels of crime."

"This just confirms what everyone in Virginia Beach already knows," Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. said. "You can't beat the Virginia Beach lifestyle. It's a fabulous place to live, visit and grow your business."

The online magazine rated the country's 100 largest cities, looking at 16 criteria, including the number of restaurants, bars, and museums per capita, the number of colleges, libraries, and professional sports teams, the income, poverty, unemployment, crime and foreclosure rates, percent of population with bachelor's degrees, public school performance, park acres per 1,000 residents and air quality. Greater weight was placed on recreational amenities such as parks, bars, restaurants and museums, and on educational attainment, school performance, poverty rate and air quality.

To read the complete story and to view the complete list of cities, visit http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/which-is-americas-best-city-09202011.html

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News Release: VBgov.com/Info

285mcg
1-6

Governor Bob McDonnell Announces Record International Tourism Spending in Virginia

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:47:28 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2011
Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Email: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Tourism Corporation
Contact: Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
Phone: (804) 545-5573
Email: ttanderson@virginia.org

Governor Bob McDonnell Announces Record International Tourism Spending in Virginia

~Spending from overseas travelers increased more than 12 percent in 2010 for record $321 million~

RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that tourism spending by overseas travelers in Virginia increased by more than 12 percent in 2010. New figures released by Capital Region USA (CRUSA) show international tourism spending was a record $321 million in 2010, up $35 million from 2009.

"Tourism is an instant revenue generator that keeps our economy moving and employs hundreds of thousands of Virginians," said Governor McDonnell. "These new figures show that Virginia is doing an excellent job in reaching out to international travelers and positioning Virginia as a premier travel destination."

CRUSA is the official regional destination marketing organization promoting Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia internationally. Its primary markets are the United Kingdom and Germany, both of which supply large numbers of visitors to Virginia each year. The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Destination DC and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority are the supporting partners of the organization which is chaired by Diane Bechamps, vice president of marketing for VTC.

Canada is Virginia's top international market and VTC employs a targeted marketing strategy aimed at Canadian visitors. The great majority of those visitors come from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, which are the primary targets for VTC's Canadian marketing initiatives.

"This increase in international visitors is a strong indication that Virginia's tourism marketing is right on track," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of VTC. "Our partnership with Maryland and Washington, D.C. is a smart investment for Virginia tourism that is making a significant contribution to Virginia's economy."

Tourism is one of Virginia's largest industries, generating more than $17 billion in revenue, supporting 204,500 jobs and providing $1.24 billion in state and local taxes for the Commonwealth annually. For more information on traveling in Virginia, visit www.Virginia.org or call toll free 1-800-VISITVA.

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3 Musts For Retaining Top Talent

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:42:38 GMT

16 September 2011
By Birgit Radin
HotelNewsNow.com columnist

I believe retaining top talent is a critical responsibility of management, and our team works hard at this. Providing an employee with challenges, growth potential and a safe environment to explore their goals is a sure path to keeping key team members happy and thriving in your company.

Here are my three "musts" for talent retention:

1. Provide a challenging environment
Encouraging your employees to continually consider their next steps in a career path engages their interest and drive. I feel very strongly that one-on-one mentorship is necessary to help build strong and satisfied employees. We schedule regular, semiannual meetings to discuss career path and goals. During those discussions, we cover a series of stepping points that help keep employees on track. We hone in on three short- and long-term goals each session, asking, "What do you aspire to be in the long term?"

I've found that employees often only see one pathway to their ultimate goal. For instance, a kitchen supervisor who ultimately seeks to be a hotel general manager might believe the only way to rise to that position is to transfer to the hotel's operations and sales departments. On the contrary, many exceptional GMs have risen through the ranks of a food & beverage department.

That path might look like this: master the kitchen's production and operations, then learn inventory and controls before moving to the front of the house where guest service, employee hiring and training, and floor management precede taking over management of other food and beverage outlets before rising to the food and beverage director's role.

Acquiring all of these skills prepares an individual to effectively manage an operation, to watch and control expenses, to build a team and to create a quality product to deliver to guests, all of which serve a GM well.

Providing a solid plan for training and one-on-one coaching throughout the process will help your employee reach those goals while feeling challenged and engaged.

2. Demonstrate your trust
Within day-to-day operations, let people demonstrate they can do more than assumed. For example, most hotels schedule manager's outings on occasion. This is an important all-team event that allows group interaction and bonding without the distractions of daily operations. Some, however, would say, "We cannot leave the house alone. Who will handle everything?" I encourage my management team to identify the people who have potential and who demonstrate a good understanding of our overall philosophies and business practices so that in times when a manager must be off-site-whether planned or unplanned-there is solid back up.

This does three things: First, it allows a manager to feel a sense of ease, knowing they've developed team members that can step in when they're away. Second, when you put your trust in someone, they often will rise to the occasion. For the employee who is asked to cover the shift management duties, he or she takes pride in their boss's faith and confidence. And finally, this shows all of the employees the manager is not afraid to help others grow in their positions.

3. Inspire a lack of fear to increase communication
Fear comes from the top and it is destructive. If you're building a team you want to retain, you must inspire your managers to build an atmosphere without fear. Fear can grow from poor communication as easily as it can from an unsupportive management style. We work hard to avoid both.

One way we inspire comfortable exchanges between departments and across position levels is to host a monthly roundtable. Here, the human resources director and I have coffee with all employees celebrating a birthday in that month. We talk about the good, the bad, the possible changes they'd suggest and the issues they'd like to see addressed. This is an opportunity for departments to intermingle, and sometimes the issues brought up at this table raise the awareness of how one department's actions are impacting another. It's an educational, open forum where numerous good ideas are born. By setting up this type of relaxed conversation, we take away the apprehension many employees feel when they want to address something that's just not right.

Consistent communication to the entire team is also necessary to ensure your employees know where the hotel stands financially. This business has cycles, and it is constantly tested by the economic changes we experience. It is important to let everyone know what the sales and management team is doing to ensure you're working hard to keep each employed and that you have a plan should days turn dark. At The DoubleTree Chicago Magnificent Mile, we hold a rally every quarter to inform our employees about how we're doing, how we're managing the challenges ahead and how their contribution helps us achieve our goals and guests' satisfaction.

The goal is to keep good players on the team. Keep them challenged and communicate to help them get where they want to go. In truth, there will be instances where the next step for that individual will be outside of your organization. That said, I believe leading a group in this manner and genuinely caring about the development of an individual speaks volumes to other employees and future employees who are watching and learning along the way.

As a member of the Kokua Hospitality, LLC's management organization team, Birgit Radin serves as the managing director for two properties in Chicago, The Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile and the Inn of Chicago. Reach her at bradin@doubletreemagmile.com. To learn more about Kokua Hospitality, LLC, visit www.kokuahospitality.com.

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HotelNewsNow.com or its parent company, Smith Travel Research and its affiliated companies. Columnists published on this site are given the freedom to express views that may be controversial, but our goal is to provoke thought and constructive discussion within our reader community. Please feel free to comment or contact an editor with any questions or concerns.

Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau Receives 10th Gold Service Award!

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:49:29 GMT

For More Information
Tiffany Twine
ttwine@visitvirginiabeach.com
(757) 385-6646

Convention & Visitors Bureau Receives 10th Gold Service Award from Meetings & Conventions Magazine

Quality service is the key to maintaining customers and to winning Meetings & Conventions' Gold Service Award. The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau was selected for the 2011 Gold Service distinction by industry meeting professionals, along with other domestic and international convention and visitors bureaus. This is the 10th time Virginia Beach has been selected as a recipient since 1999, including each of the last eight years.

Recipients were judged on their ability to provide superior assistance to meeting planners in hotel and site inspections, ground transportation planning, guidance on local attractions, liaison with local vendors and services and the overall professionalism of staff.

"This consistent recognition from the industry and our peers is an overwhelming honor," said James B. Ricketts, director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This award is a tribute to the commitment we have to providing our clients with quality customer service."

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275cvb

Energy Stewardship Workshop on September 28th

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:38:07 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lori Herrick, (757) 385-5663
lherrick@vbgov.com

Energy Stewardship Workshop for Congregations and Other Facility Managers to Be Held Sept. 28

An energy stewardship workshop sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach, in partnership with the Virginia Interfaith Center, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19^th St.

The workshop will educate facility managers on energy-saving initiatives, opportunities and actions that save energy and money. It will be focused on congregations but also will be valuable for all facility managers.

For more information, contact Lori Herrick at the Virginia Beach Energy Office at (757) 385-5663 or lherrick@vbgov.com.

# # #

News Release: VBgov.com/Info

276cm
1-5

AAA Tweets Virginia Beach in August 2011 10th Spot

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:29:55 GMT

AAA Mid-Atlantic announces their Top 25 destinations for August via Twitter
The 10th spot belongs to Virginia Beach!

AAA Mid-Atlantic (@TravelWithAAA) tweeted the following:

TravelWithAAA: #drumroll please! Our top-10 most traveled road trip destinations, according to the number of #triptiks produced, for the month of August!

TravelWithAAA: Tenth on our list is another close, quick beach destination! It also has an awesome boardwalk! @VaBeachCVB welcomes you!

Virginia Beach Wine Tasting Features King Neptune Label

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:39:39 GMT

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Virginian-Pilot correspondent
© September 7, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

The warm ocean breeze, sunlight reflecting off the sand and the Boardwalk may not be ingredients found on a wine label, but they are all vital elements for the annual Neptune Fall Wine Festival.

And now a King Neptune label will be part of the festival's offerings as well.

Wine aficionados from near and far will flock to Neptune's Park, at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for the 15th annual festival.

"The beach and resort are attractions in itself, but it's also a chance to taste wine with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop," said Whit Collins, vice president of the Neptune Festival. "This is more of an intimate gathering - we cap it at 1,500 people."

Along with the vast collection of chardonnays, merlots, Rieslings and more, an inaugural batch of King Neptune's Private Reserve - in both a white and red - is being introduced by Chatham Vineyards.

The vineyard, located on the Eastern Shore, has created King Neptune's Reserve Steel Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Chatham Vineyards will have these limited-edition wines available for purchase during the festival and afterward on its website, www.chathamvineyards.net.

King Neptune XXXVIII - Anthony P. Nero - will be autographing bottles from 2 to 4 p.m. both days.

Nancy Creech, president of the Neptune Festival, said organizers plan to make King Neptune's Private Reserve an annual part of the festival with each king having his own bottle, name and number on the label.

"We've been talking about doing this for a number of years and we decided to go ahead and do it," Creech said. "We think it's kind of a neat thing to do and it commemorates the festival."

This year's festival includes 18 Virginia wineries, each one featuring between four and eight wines. Fifteen of the wine growers are returnees, while three are new to the line-up: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Chatham Vineyards and Lazy Days Winery.

"There are many varieties and samples to try," Collins said. "Some you can't find in the stores, so you can buy it here, take it home and put it in your private collection."

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. to Break Ground on New Education Center

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:27:43 GMT

Virginia Beach, VA, September 08, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) will break ground on the new de Laski Family Foundation Education Center at its 67th Street site on Thursday, October 6, at 4:00 pm. The groundbreaking coincides with the organization's 80th anniversary and will be attended by Virginia Beach mayor, William D. Sessoms, Jr., A.R.E. Executive Director and CEO Kevin J. Todeschi, and members of the Cayce family. The new facility will house expanded classroom space for the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy, offices for Atlantic University, and the Edgar Cayce Foundation archives, which include the original 14,306 psychic readings given by Edgar Cayce over his lifetime.

The A.R.E. was founded in 1931 by twentieth century psychic and medical clairvoyant, Edgar Cayce, the most-documented psychic in history. The subject of over 100 books, Cayce is best known for his answers to questions while in an altered state. These "readings" covered not only health, but also information on more than 10,000 different topics, including prophecy, life after death, world affairs, and psychic and spiritual development. Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. is a popular conference, visitor, and tourist destination located at the North End of Virginia Beach. Ecumenical in nature, the organization's motto is "helping people change their lives for the better." It maintains international offices in 37 countries.

The A.R.E.'s sister organization, Atlantic University (AU), is a DETC accredited, graduate-level institution offering a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Studies. Distinguished as the first university founded in Virginia Beach (1930), the faculty is composed of highly acclaimed and qualified professionals including well-known authors and national lecturers. The Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy is a vocational school that has graduated more than 1,100 students from 17 different countries. The Cayce/Reilly School is accredited by COMTA and is the first massage school in the state of Virginia to obtain this level of accreditation.

CEO Todeschi states, "In addition to expanding our classroom space, this new building will enable us to enhance our educational outreach by moving us more in line with 21st century technological breakthroughs." Todeschi adds, "We are able to break ground on our new building because of the generosity of our members throughout the world, including major gifts from long-time supporters Ruben Miller, Richard Copeland, and Don de Laski." The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public.

Edgar Cayce founded the non-profit Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in 1931, to explore spirituality, holistic health, intuition, dream interpretation, psychic development, reincarnation, and ancient mysteries-all subjects that frequently came up in the more than 14,000 documented psychic readings given by Cayce, who died in 1945. The mission of A.R.E. is simply to help people around the world change their lives for the better through the ideas and information found in the readings. The Virginia Beach headquarters is a popular site for locals and tourists with free daily lectures, a Health Center and Spa, the Cayce/Reilly® School of Massotherapy, an extensive metaphysical library, a meditation garden, a stone labyrinth, and a bookstore and gift shop. Visitors from around the world come to our conferences to hear expert speakers on subjects like ancient mysteries, holistic health, and spiritual development. A.R.E. also maintains an affiliation with Atlantic University. Through its many programs, services, publications, and membership outreach, Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. provides individuals from all walks of life and a variety of religious backgrounds with tools for personal transformation and healing at all levels-body, mind, and spirit. For more information about Edgar Cayce's A.R.E., please visit EdgarCayce.org.

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Virginia Beach Fall Story Ideas

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:15:50 GMT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ron Kuhlman
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau | 757.385.4700

Kari Journigan
BCF | 757.497.4811 | kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com

VIRGINIA BEACH FALL STORY IDEAS

(Virginia Beach, Va., September 7, 2011) - Leaves may start changing colors in the autumn, but the sun continues to warm up the Virginia Beach oceanfront. With average highs of 72°F in October - and the water temperature averaging 67°F - fall is the perfect season for a Virginia Beach getaway vacation. Relax on serene beaches, kayak through the waves alongside bottlenose dolphins, enjoy fun festivals, or savor delicious, local cuisine. The following story ideas are centered on Virginia Beach's fall attractions, events and travel options. For additional information and images, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom. To speak with a PR representative or request a Virginia Beach press visit, please contact Kari Journigan at kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com.

Virginia Aquarium Debuts New "Fish and Chips" Exhibit - Learn about a wide variety of fish at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center through a brand new interactive exhibit called " Fish and Chips" that utilizes a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID). The only program of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, this permanent exhibit features a simple antenna which senses a microchip in the majority of the fish throughout the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. As they swim past a monitor located on the outside of the tank, it "pings" and instantly provides information on the species, habitat, origin and other interesting facts on a computer screen for visitors to read. For instance, you may discover that a croaker, which has been nicknamed "Kermit," was found in Virginia Beach's own Rudee Inlet, weighs 1.7 pounds and was brought into the aquarium during the summer of 2010. The tiny microchip, harmlessly injected under the fish's skin while it is lightly sedated, works similar to the identification technology used in household pets today. Visit www.virginiaaquarium.com for more information.

Savor Every Bite, Every Sip, Every Moment with the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour: With all the wonderful restaurants, sustainable farms and rich culinary history Coastal Virginia offers, the Coastal Food Tours of Virginia's themed progressive culinary programs fuse together cuisine, history and architecture in several different venues and neighborhoods throughout the region. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour offers a "Surf & Turf" exploration along the resort city's famed thoroughfare. The two and a half hour tour starts at JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground located at 2^nd Street and continues along the boardwalk with the Atlantic Ocean as a glistening backdrop and a guide narrating the area's history. The three stops along the tour include Waterman's Beachwood Grill, Mahi-Mah's Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Saloon and Black Angus where you will enjoy small meals and alcohol pairings all for $59 per person. While dishes will change based on seasonality, recent offerings included fresh backfin crabcakes, bronzed mahi-mahi with coconut rice and julienned local veggies, Waterman's signature Orange Crush cocktail, a locals' favorite made with freshly squeezed orange juice, and a sampling of craft beers by two locals, Beach Brewing Company and O'Connor Brewing Company. Visit www.coastalfoodtours.com for more information.

Enjoy All Things Outdoors in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach is a wonderland for sports enthusiasts and those desiring more physical adventure and what better time to experience the outdoors than in the fall when the weather has cooled. With more than 18,000 acres of state parks and a wildlife refuge and 121 navigable miles of waterways, there is something for everyone. A virtually undiscovered ecological treasure, Virginia Beach is home to one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast. From April through October, visitors can travel into the heart of the refuge on a tram to learn all about area wildlife and history. Explore by kayak the inland waterways and 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches and experience nature at its most pristine and undisturbed. Bike through the trails of First Landing State Park, the most visited park in Virginia, where you will get up close and personal with birds and other wildlife along the way. Or, just stroll along the 3-mile boardwalk, taking in the sights of the Atlantic and other people along the way. Many Virginia Beach outfitters offer tours throughout the year, or rent your equipment and explore the outdoors and quiet sounds of untouched nature by yourself.

Wave Farewell to Summer with Virginia Beach's Fall Festivals: Despite the closing of the summer months, the resort city still offers many festivals and events perfect for visitors and locals of every age. Help the city celebrate the annual send-off to summer with the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. From September 30 - October 2, the oceanfront will ignite with a daily line-up of musical entertainment, 300 artisans displaying and selling their wares, a smorgasbord of food vendors and the annual North American Sand Sculpting Championship (September 28 - October 9). Enjoy craft beers from more than 25 breweries alongside live music during the Craft Beer Festival on October 22 and 23. Halloween lovers can enjoy the Virginia Beach Town Center's Town & Treat on October 29 or check out the Hunt Club Farm Haunted Halloween Fest from September 30 - October 31 where you can purchase pumpkins as well as enjoy entertainment, food, and their popular Haunted Hayride, Village of the Dead and Field of Screams. For more information on events this fall and throughout the year in Virginia Beach, visit http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/events-and-entertainment/.

# # #

Crabs, Craft Beer and a Crush Round Out the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:40:57 GMT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kelli Norman
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau | 757.385.4700

Kari Journigan
BCF | 757.497.4811 | kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com

Erin Filarecki
VisitNorfolk | 757.664.6620 | efilarecki@norfolkcvb.com

Crabs, Craft Beer and a Crush Round Out the
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour

Indulge in fresh seafood and produce while learning area
history with the newest Coastal Food Tour of Virginia

(Virginia Beach, Va., September 6, 2011) - Coastal Virginia is full of amazing cuisine, from succulent seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, to fresh produce grown and harvested by local farmers. With all the wonderful restaurants, sustainable farms and rich culinary history Coastal Virginia offers, the Coastal Food Tours of Virginia's themed progressive culinary programs fuse together cuisine, history and architecture in several different venues and neighborhoods. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Tour is the most recent option added to the roster and features the best bounties of land and sea.

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour offers a "Surf & Turf" exploration along the resort city's famed thoroughfare. The two and a half hour tour starts at JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground located at 2nd Street and continues along the boardwalk with the Atlantic Ocean as a glistening backdrop and a guide narrating the area's history. The three stops along the tour include Waterman's Beachwood Grill, Mahi-Mah's Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Saloon and Black Angus where you will enjoy small meals and alcohol pairings all for $59 per person. While dishes will change based on seasonality, recent offerings included fresh backfin crabcakes, bronzed mahi-mahi with coconut rice and julienned local veggies, Waterman's signature Orange Crush cocktail, a locals' favorite made with freshly squeezed orange juice, and a sampling of craft beers by two locals, Beach Brewing Company and O'Connor Brewing Company.

While in Virginia Beach, experience many other activities that make it unique. Virginia Beachboasts 35 miles of wide beaches and a 3-mile long boardwalk, both of which are free to vacationers. The resort area is perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle-building, volleyball, strolling, biking, rollerblading or good old-fashioned people-watching!

As fall approaches in the East Coast city, the temperature stays mild making it the perfect time to plan a getaway. Challenge your skills on the hiking trails, kayak through the waves alongside bottlenose dolphins or explore 800,000 gallons of aquariums at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Virginia Beach offers vacationers more than 12,000 hotel rooms, sumptuous coastal cuisine, a long list of year-round events and boundless things to experience, all of which makes it easy to plan the perfect vacation. To book a package or for more information on Virginia Beach, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.

Coastal Food Tours of Virginia is sponsored by the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VBCVB), along with partners from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, VisitNorfolk, the Food Tour Corporation, and the Virginia Beach Agriculture Department. For more information about Virginia Beach or the new Coastal Food Tours of Virginia, visit www.CoastalFoodTours.com or http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/articles/coastal-food-tours.asp, or call 202-683-8847.

The Food Tour Corporation is the premier provider of culinary-based tours and events throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio. Their products have been developed in order to help preserve and maintain the time-honored culinary history and traditions of each region represented with tours. The ultimate goal is to promote local and regional history, architecture, culture and cuisine by presenting it in a fashion appreciated by both locals and visitors.

Virginia Beach entices visitors to "Live the Life" year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day's drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800/822-3224) or visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning. For media information and digital images, click on www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom. Please follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/vabeachcvb and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachVA.

One of the Mid-Atlantic's most exciting destinations, Norfolk, Virginia attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively waterfront downtown which is easily walk able and alive with eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and fun, year-round special events. For four hundred years this dynamic heart of Virginia's storied sea front region has offered a vibrant blend of history and heritage, contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth's most revered cultural institutions. For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday,com or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097.

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Irene? Who Was That?

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:15:55 GMT

By Philip Walzer
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 6, 2011

Irene? Who was that?

A week after the unwelcome visitor barged into the region, tourism and hospitality officials from Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks reported a robust return of the more friendly kind during the Labor Day weekend.

Some even predicted that, once the numbers were counted, profits would be up this summer, despite Hurricane Irene.

On the Outer Banks, which suffered Irene's direct wrath, "I feel like the businesses bounced back remarkably quickly," Lee Nettles, the managing director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, said Monday. "We went out to breakfast this morning, and it was as crowded as you would expect it on Labor Day."

Nettles added: "I won't sugarcoat it. I know there's likely to be a little bit of a dip. Certainly not having access to Hatteras Island just hurts right out of the gate. But I think we got through it as best we could, and I'm hoping the fall will be strong for us."

In terms of tax revenue from occupancy and dining, "July was the biggest month we've ever had," he said. "I'd be surprised if we didn't manage to post a gain in August. Anecdotally, from conversations with folks leading up to the storm, I think we were rocking and rolling pretty good in August."

Though Hurricane Irene might have scared tourists away, Nettles said, the storm brought an influx of media personnel and relief workers.

At Days Inn at the Beach, nearly all of the 113 rooms were booked for the three nights of the holiday weekend, said Linwood Branch, co-owner of the Oceanfront hotel.

"It's just a very dependable and consistent holiday weekend," with the Dodge Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon and the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival, Branch said.

"We were very fortunate that the weather was fantastic," he said. "But the runners are going to run even in inclement weather. It's sort of an insurance policy if we have a total washout of a weekend."

Laura Wood Habr also enjoyed plenty of business from runners, particularly after the half-marathon. She said her Virginia Beach restaurant, Croc's 19th Street Bistro, was packed for Sunday brunch and had to turn away people.

Sales for the weekend, Habr said, were up 11 percent from Labor Day weekend of 2010. "It was the last weekend of summer in people's minds," she said. "People were just ready to feel good."

Hotel occupancy data in Virginia Beach for the holiday weekend won't be available until later this week, said Pam Lingle, a spokeswoman for the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau. Numbers from the week before the hurricane show a promising boost in business - and then a free fall.

From Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, occupancy rates were up 9 to 14 percent from a year ago, Lingle said, citing preliminary numbers from STR, a research firm based in Hendersonville, Tenn. On Aug. 24, the Wednesday before the storm, rates were still better than those for 2010, but only by 3 percent.

They dropped 15 percent on Aug. 25 and plunged 60 percent Aug. 26 and 58 percent the day Irene swept through the area, Lingle said.

Like Nettles on the Outer Banks, Habr said she might end this summer ahead. She credited the rising popularity of social networking sites, such as OpenTable.com, where diners can make online reservations.

Even the Sunday night after Irene, Habr said, business was same as usual. "It was better than I expected," she said. "I don't know if it was because of power outages and people couldn't cook or they just needed to get out."

Philip Walzer, (757) 222-3864, phil.walzer@pilotonline.com

The Waitress, The Busboy and The Bartender

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:57:40 GMT

By Lorraine Eaton
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 5, 2011

For resort-area hospitality workers, this Labor Day weekend has been just that, a weekend of labor that marks the end of a busy summer season.

The National Restaurant Association predicted that 35 percent of Americans would go out to eat this holiday weekend. Locally, add in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, the American Music Festival and the start of the Neptune Festival, and the Oceanfront dining rooms were jamming.

While some people might dismiss restaurant jobs as menial, the resort area would be hurting without them. For Labor Day, we checked in with a trio of award-winning Oceanfront restaurant workers - a busboy, bartender and waitress - who told us about the good, the bad and the ugly nightmares.

THE WAITRESS

CAROLINE JONES AT ROCKAFELLER'S

Today, Labor Day, part of Caroline Jones' recurrent dreams likely will come true.

In her dreams, Jones arrives for her waitressing shift at Rockafeller's. The Rudee Inlet restaurant is brimming with diners. Jones gets right to work, but for some reason she can't deliver drink orders to her tables. The food is never ready. It's a night without end.

In another dream, tables are tucked into tree forts. The wait staff must use rope swings and a pulley system to deliver the food.

"I'd rather have a scary dream than a work dream," she said.

In real life, Jones is the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau's wait staff person of the year. Although there won't be any rope swings, Rockafeller's is likely to be rocking today, the end of a busy three-day weekend.

Jones knows exactly how to manage the crowd.

"It's hard work," said Jones, 22, a May graduate of Old Dominion University with six years of waitressing experience in Williamsburg, Norfolk and at the Oceanfront. "We have a lot of high-stress things to deal with.... There were definitely nights this summer when it was so busy, I didn't think I'd get through it."

Waiting tables requires patience, speed, the ability to multitask and problem-solve, not to mention delivering high-quality service, no matter the mood of the customer.

Those traits, Jones says, will serve her well when she begins her career in marketing this fall. She's been honing the skills during 40- and 50-hour work weeks, wedging in double shifts - days that start at 10 a.m. and end near midnight.

Her best table this year: A large party that left her 20 percent on the bill and another 20 percent in cash.

What makes her groan: Patrons who pay their tab and then linger endlessly at the table when there's a line at the door.

But aside from that, she likes her job. In the summer season, time passes quickly and the money is good.

"Summer only happens one time a year," she said. "As long as you can do that for three months, you're OK."

THE BUSBOY

DILLON CLARK AT ROCKAFELLER'S

Dillon Clark started his restaurant career at age 14 rolling silverware at Rockafeller's.

Today, at 22, he's the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau's bus person of the year. And he knows what got him noticed.

"I just have a great work ethic," he said, and added "I'm fast. The more tables I bus, the more money I make."

A high-season workday for Clark starts at Rockafeller's around 4 p.m., with setting tables, and stocking ice and glassware in the bar and wait station. It ends around midnight.

When the wait for a table is long, he clears tables and resets them just so in record speed, brushing crumbs from chairs, sweeping under tables, running food to the upper deck wait staff, all the while keeping an eye on the ice bins and glasses and pinch-hitting as an expediter in the kitchen.

"I do whatever is needed," he said.

Menial work? Hardly.

"It's one of the most important jobs in the restaurant," he said. "If you don't have a busboy, you will go down hard."

Clark has few complaints - just those jamming 100-degree nights and children who crumble the cornbread onto the floor.

"That's about it," he said.

THE BARTENDER

JOEY HABR AT CROC'S 19th STREET BISTRO & CENTRAL 111

Joey Habr's workdays start when many people's are ending.

A shift for the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau's bartender of the year might begin at 6 p.m. and end at 2 a.m. Or it might run from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

"I'm more of a night person, so it really suits me," he said.

Habr, 26, tends bar at two places: Croc's 19th Street Bistro near the Oceanfront and Central 111 in the Great Neck section of Virginia Beach.

His success comes by way of a gift of gab and the willingness to talk to each customer. Even on a bad day.

"Everybody has those nights," he said. "But I've always had one of those mottos that home is home and work is work."

Another must is learning customers' drinks and names, including last names, so he doesn't have to ask when they open a tab.

The best bartenders possess a measure of mad scientist and willingness to concoct new drinks. Habr's current favorite invention is one he calls Skittles, made with four kinds of vodka, sour mix, cranberry and a splash of Sprite.

"It tastes just like a Skittle," he said. "Girls love it especially."

The best thing about his job: "The people I meet."

The worst: "The people I meet," he said, laughing. "It's a pretty good job. I hate when it's slow."

Lorraine Eaton, (757) 446-2697, lorraine.eaton@pilotonline.com

Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon News Conference

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:08:14 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 31, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Cruz, (619) 925-7671
Pamela M. Lingle, (757) 385-6628
Tiffany Twine, (757) 385-6646

Mayor Sessoms to join Competitor Group officials and Olympian Ryan Hall for Marquee Announcement

11^th Annual Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Set for Sunday, September 4, 2011

What:	A *NEWS CONFERENCE* has been scheduled for a major announcement regarding the future of the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. Race officials will also unveil the results of the 2010 economic impact study detailing the half-marathon's impact in the City of Virginia Beach.
When:	Friday, September 2, 2011, 11:00 a.m.
Where:	Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Who:	Mayor Will Sessoms Jr., City of Virginia Beach Scott Dickey, President, Competitor Group Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter, Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Founder U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall, American Half Marathon Record Holder Mike Hilton, Verizon Wireless American Music Festival Live music, charity representatives, tourism officials and race participants
Background:	Entering its eleventh year, the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon annually attracts thousands of runners and their families to the City of Virginia Beach each Labor Day weekend, in which more than two-thirds of the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach participants travel from out of town. Virginia Beach is home to the original half-marathon of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series; today Competitor Group owns and operates events in 26 major markets around the world. The marathons and half-marathons are known for their festive atmosphere with bands and cheerleaders at every mile, along with a post race concert featuring a national headliner act. Photo and interview opportunities available. Over its 11-year history, charity partners and local non-profit organizations have raised more than $11.1 million through the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon.

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Merchants Embrace Mobile Marketing In A Big Way

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:04:02 GMT

Fueled by smartphones, daily deals, merchants embrace mobile marketing in a big way

Retailers can no longer rely on the flashing neon sign or the "clown on the corner" to draw in customers who are walking past the storefronts with their heads down looking at their mobile devices.

That's the message from Borrell Associates, which says it is seeing a dramatic shift in how small and mid-size businesses are embracing mobile advertising and mobile promotions.

Mobile advertising is fast becoming the go-to choice for local businesses across the U.S., thanks to the fast spreading of social media, smartphones and daily deals and coupons, according to a new report (subscription required) by Borrell Associates.

Local businesses in the U.S. are on pace to spend almost $800 million in 2011 on mobile ads, according to the Borrell report. Half of the spending -- $400 million -- is on mobile promotions, including contests, coupons and deals.

Half of the local businesses surveyed this summer said they were planning to participate in mobile marketing this year, according the report, Main Street Goes Mobile.

To put an exclamation point on the importance of companies involved in mobile marketing, New York-based mobile marketing company Augme Technologies said Tuesday that it was closing on its deal to buy Kirkland-based mobile marketing and advertising company HipCricket in a cash and stock deal valued at up to $72 million. We previously reported the deal in early August.

Mobile ad spending is projected to double every year for the next five years. By 2016, local mobile marketing spending would top $18 billion for advertising and $4 billion for promotions, according to the report. That's more than Main Street businesses are spending on traditional web-based advertising today, according to Borrell.

Borrell says that local companies are warming up to mobile marketing at a faster rate than local businesses warmed up to cable advertising in the 1980s or internet advertising 10 years ago.

Click here to view article at techflash.com

Va. Beach, N.C. Tourism: We're Open For Business

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:53:06 GMT

By Mike Hixenbaugh
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 31, 2011

A line of cars stretched for miles across the Wright Memorial Bridge early Tuesday as tourists rushed to salvage what was left of their Outer Banks vacation plans after Hurricane Irene socked the barrier islands.

The congestion was a welcome sight to restaurant owners, hoteliers and rental property managers from Southern Shores to Nags Head.

"Those cars are a real good sign," said Cherie Harris, manager of The Dunes seafood restaurant in Nags Head. "That's how we all survive here."

Tourism officials from Virginia Beach south to North Carolina's Dare County are working to spread the word ahead of the typically busy Labor Day weekend: We're open for business.

Tourists have been calling Virginia Beach officials.

"They're asking things like, 'Is the Beach open? Should we still come? Is the power on?' " said Pam Lingle, spokeswoman for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A banner announcement on the city's website says: "All of our resort hotels, restaurants and attractions are open, our beaches are beautiful and the sea is sparkling."

Conditions are dicier along the Outer Banks, which was hit particularly hard by hurricane-force winds and tidal flooding. Lee Nettles, director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, said undeterred tourists returned in droves Tuesday as beaches north of Hatteras Island reopened to the public.

"That's a good sign," Nettles said. "Fortunately, we have a loyal and determined visitor base."

The scene was grimmer south of Pea Island, where Irene shredded N.C. 12, the coastal roadway connecting Hatteras Island with the outside world.

"We can't afford to be cut off," said Frank Lihvarchik, co-owner of Rocco's Pizza in Hatteras Village.

Lihvarchik said Rocco's - one of the few businesses on the island with power and a working phone line on Tuesday - will lose about $5,000 every day the road is closed. He and others say they hope state officials open a temporary ferry to shuttle visitors onto the island. "There aren't enough locals here to sustain a business of this size," Lihvarchik said.

The last hurricane to cut off passage across the island was Isabel in 2003. That breach, just south of Frisco, isolated only the towns of Hatteras and Ocracoke, which relies on the ferry from Hatteras. It took almost two months and $5 million to repair the road. Gov. Beverly Perdue said Tuesday the state will release a short-term plan in the coming days to get traffic flowing on N.C. 12 within a few weeks.

Ferry service between Cedar Island and Ocracoke Island and from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke resumed Tuesday, but for Ocracoke residents and emergency personnel only.

North of Hatteras, retailers hustled to clear debris and stock shelves. At Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant, staff worked to restock the seafood after all their freezers were damaged behind repair in the storm. The soundside restaurant is one of several in the Nags Head area that took on heavy floodwaters. Managers hoped to reopen by the weekend.

"Everyone's getting ready," The Dunes' Harris said. "The crowds are coming."

Kristi Gonzales and her family drove overnight from their home in Bellmawr, N.J., and then waited more than two hours to cross Currituck Sound on their way to a beach house in Corolla.

"This is our only vacation this year, and we were determined to have it," Gonzales said. "Now we are going to make the best of it."

John Harris, owner of Kitty Hawk Kites, hopes more tourists share that attitude. Harris operates 15 locations throughout the Outer Banks. Four of them are south of the break in N.C. 12, and one location flooded, he said. But the other 10 shops were open Tuesday.

"It doesn't matter if we're open if people don't come," Harris said. "The beaches, of course, are as beautiful as ever, and so I'm hopeful tourists will keep coming through the remainder of the season."

Most visitors to the Outer Banks rent beach homes by the week, said Ali Breaux, president of Sun Realty, which manages about 1,200 such properties. About 1,000 of the homes managed by her company remain accessible, Breaux said, and "they've already started filling up."

Hatteras Island is a different story, she said. Most people who booked vacation homes there for this week bought insurance and will be refunded, Breaux said. Many of those who didn't buy insurance - including those who had booked rentals through September and into October - have called asking for refunds.

That decision is up to the property owner, Breaux said. "There's no obligation to refund their money."

Pilot writer Aaron Applegate and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mike Hixenbaugh, (757) 222-5117, mike.hixenbaugh@pilotonline.com

Click here to view article at PilotOnline.

Brazilian Tour Group Sets Sights on Beach

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:37:42 GMT

Posted: August 27, 2011

Designer Tours, an upscale tour operator based in São Paulo, Brazil, is developing a travel package for Brazilian travelers that would include Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

Representatives from the company visited both cities earlier this month, along with other tourist spots throughout Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

Local tourism officials expect the booking to reel in the "five-star traveler" - well-traveled Brazilians who haven't visited lesser-known U.S. cities, like the Beach and Williamsburg.

"Their consumers have been to the U.S. many times," said Bob Harris, vice president of tourism for the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance.

Typically they go to the larger cities, like Miami, Los Angeles or New York, he said, but "they are trying to come up with new areas" for travelers to visit.

While in Williamsburg, the Designer Tours reps stayed at the Wedmore Place hotel at the Williamsburg Winery, where the reps indicated they were interested in returning with a group. The Brazilian reps also selected the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront as a place they'd like to book for a group.

"We have the Williamsburg Premium Outlet mall and shopping that is very close to the attractions here," said Harris. They also liked the fact that the winery was close to other Williamsburg attractions, he said.

The proximity to Washington, D.C., was also appealing, he said.

Representatives from the tour company liked Virginia Beach's family atmosphere and shopping options.

"Their comments were, what a great family destination Virginia Beach is, as well as how clean everything is," said Kelli Norman, director of tourism, marketing and sales for Virginia Beach's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"They have beautiful beaches over there, but they are looking for a beach and shopping experiences here," she said.

Last year, 10 percent of Virginia Beach tourists were international visitors, and the CVB expects this year to be around 8 percent. The majority of international visitors are from Quebec, Canada, according to the CVB's director, James Ricketts.

Olga Sasaki Arima, the operations director for Designer Tours, said that the Hampton Roads region would be something new for those who've visited the country before.

When visiting the area earlier this month, Arima's daughter was surprised to find out that Pocahontas actually existed, and that her story was local history.

Arima had her own story to share.

"Virginia Beach is like something I saw only in American movies," she wrote in an email about her visit. "When first entering the city, we were welcomed by F-18 aircraft flying over our heads - what an unusual view! I never thought to find long and sandy beaches like ours."

Designer Tours will be writing a guide book of the area for Brazilian tourists. The cost of the book will be shared by the tour operator and Capital Region USA.

Capital Region, a nonprofit tourism coalition between the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Destination D.C. and the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, works to promote international visitation to Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Matt Gaffney, president and CEO of Capital Region, shared more details about the guide book.

"Designer Tours is producing 10,000 color guide books," said Gaffney. "They were extremely excited about the destinations they saw here [in the capital region] and felt it would be a market of interest to their travelers."

In addition, Top Destinos, a magazine that caters to the upscale Brazilian traveler, is also planning a 16-page editorial feature that will include information on Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, Gaffney said. He also discussed Designers Tours' initial game plan for its return.

"I met with them at the end of the visit, and they had a chance to conceptualize how they would be promoting the tour," he said.

Representatives told him the trip would start in Washington, D.C., with separate excursions to Virginia and Maryland, Gaffney said.

Brazilian travelers may not make up the largest group of international visitors to the "capital region," but their presence packs a big punch.

"They spent about $161 per day in 2010, which is about the second largest spending from any overseas market, besides Mexico," Gaffney said.

While the United Kingdom and Germany account for the two largest overseas markets to the Virginia-Maryland-D.C. area, they contribute significantly less in spending. The British traveler, for instance, spent $98 per day on average last year, Gaffney said.

By Danielle Walker
Danielle.walker@insidebiz.com

Even with Irene, Many Beaches Open for Labor Day Fun

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:14:49 GMT

Even with Irene, Many Beaches Open for Labor Day Fun

Irene is gone and the sun is shining. Check to see if your favorite beach is open for swimming.

Virginia beaches
Virginia Beach: open
"All of our resort hotels, restaurants and attractions are open, our beaches are beautiful and the sea is sparkling. Come enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend with us!"

Maryland beaches
Ocean City: open

Delaware beaches
Rehoboth Beach: open
Bethany Beach: open

New Jersey beaches
Atlantic City: open
Cape May: open

New York beaches
Coney Island: closed

List updated: Aug. 30 at 1:30 p.m.

What beaches did we miss? Tell us what you think on the AccuWeather.com Facebook page. You can also tweet at us: @breakingweather and @accuweather

Virginia Beach Welcomes Back the Shriners

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:23:39 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tiffany Twine, CVB
(757) 385-6646

Virginia Beach Welcomes Back the Shriners

The tradition continues the first week after Labor Day as Virginia Beach residents enjoy the entertainment provided by the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Association (MASA), including parades, music and motorized competitions. The association has held its annual convention in Virginia Beach for more than 20 years.

The Shriners are expected to bring 3,500 attendees and guests to the Oceanfront Sept. 7 to 10, with more than 5,000 hotel room nights. The association is also drumming up entertainment, free and open to the public. The fun kicks off Friday, Sept. 9, with the motorized vehicle competition at 8 a.m. in the Virginia Beach Convention Center's west parking lot. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at 17^th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and continues to 27^th Street.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, Sept. 9
MASA Motorized Vehicle Competition 8 a.m. to Noon
Virginia Beach Convention Center - west parking lot

Saturday, Sept. 10
MASA Shriners' Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
17^th - 27^th Street (on Atlantic Avenue), starts at 17^th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Temporary road closures will occur along Atlantic Avenue for parade routes on Sept. 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. All streets will be reopened by 2 p.m. For more information on street closures, please call the City of Virginia Beach Resort Management Office at (757) 385-4800. For interviews or additional information about the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Association, please contact George Eason, Director General Emeritus, Secretary/Treasurer of MASA, at (757) 880-0615.

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News Releases: VBgov.com/Info

255cvb

1-5

How Hurricane Irene Preparations Paid Off

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:10:14 GMT

MAYOR SESSOMS FEATURED ON FOX BUSINESS!

Aug 29, 2011- 4:17 - Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, Jr. on how the city's hurricane preparedness helped minimize the impact of Hurricane Irene.

"How Hurricane Irene Preparations Paid Off." Willis Report - Fox Business. Web. 30 Aug 2011. <http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/willis-report/index.html>.

Virginia Beach is Alive and Kicking After Hurricane Irene

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:04:49 GMT

Virginia Beach is Alive and Kicking After Hurricane Irene

The Resort City is Welcoming Labor Day Weekend Visitors With Open Arms

(Virginia Beach, Va., August 29, 2011) - Not even Hurricane Irene can stop Virginia Beach from celebrating Labor Day Weekend and the end of summer in its traditional way - with beautiful temperatures, pristine beaches, beckoning seas and two of the year's most exciting events, the 18^th Annual Verizon Wireless American Music Festival and the 11^th Annual Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

The oceanfront sustained minimal damage from the storm and resort area hotels, restaurants, beaches, parks and attractions are open for business. Vacation rental homes also fared well; visitors should contact hotels and rental companies directly to inquire about specific properties. When traveling to Virginia Beach, all major access roads are open, including U.S. 13 which takes you across the world-famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, as well as Interstate 64.

Throughout the coming holiday weekend, the oceanfront will rock on thanks to the 18^th Annual Verizon Wireless American Music Festival, which kicks off Friday, September 2. Musical acts will perform throughout the weekend on oceanfront stages at 5^th, 17^th, 24^th and 31^st streets and will include the Stone Temple Pilots, ZZ Top, Poison frontman Bret Michaels, Peabo Bryson, Joe Nichols and Bad Company. For those who want to test their endurance or cheer on the participants, more than 15,000 runners and walkers will take to resort area streets and the famed boardwalk for the 11^th Annual Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

Visitors can also enjoy the many outdoor activities and attractions that make Virginia Beach unique. Learn to shred the waves during a surf lesson or paddle alongside bottlenose dolphins on a sea kayaking trip. Explore 18,600 acres of state parks and a wildlife refuge including First Landing State Park, the most visited park in Virginia. Savor succulent cuisine during the new Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour or simply stroll along the famed 3-mile boardwalk.

Post-Irene photos of the Virginia Beach oceanfront can be viewed on the Virginia Beach - Live the Life Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/VirginiaBeachVA, under the album "Irene's Gone, Come See Us!" For weather or vacation information, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com. For images or media information, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ron Kuhlman Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau | 757.385.4700

Danya Bushéy BCF | 757.285.5684 | dbushey@boomyourbrand.com

National Tourism Awards Winner Is Breakfast Champion - VP

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:08:25 GMT

By Philip Walzer
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 29, 2011

It's 5:30 in the morning. Homewood Suites by Hilton is still, the lobby empty but for a guest on the couch and the front-desk clerk.

The kitchen, however, has been overtaken by a whirl of activity. Rhonda Sheehan is preparing breakfast for the guests.

She slides trays of roasted potatoes, apple-cinnamon scones and sausage patties into the industrial oven, spoons fruit salad into a big bowl, and pours juice into pitchers.

"I move like this every day," Sheehan says. "I talk really fast, too, I'm told."

The three-year-old hotel, off Newtown Road, opens its complimentary breakfast buffet at 6:30 on weekdays. But by 6:04 Sheehan has everything ready - the yogurt and bagels, the waffle mix, all of the hot food, including oatmeal and scrambled eggs topped with shredded cheese and flecks of chives.

"We have businesspeople," Sheehan says. "They expect that. You don't want them to go to work hungry."

She spaces chairs just so around a TV. Wipes a smudge off her shirt. Smoothes it down. Puts on her black apron and name tag.

Sheehan surveys the empty dining room. "A lady in waiting," she says of herself.

For the local hospitality industry, she is royalty. In May, Sheehan was named the best continental breakfast attendant in Virginia Beach, winning a tourism award sponsored by the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau and Hotel/Motel and Restaurant associations.

"Some people come just to take a paycheck," says her boss, Meredith Brinkley, the hotel's general manager. "It's not a paycheck to her. She takes it so personally. She goes home and thinks about things that work. She just wants to be the best."

In the year and a half she's been at Homewood, she's never been late, though her shift starts before sunup.

The funny thing is, Sheehan never made eggs in her life before she became a breakfast attendant.

"Good morning, Brian," Sheehan welcomes one diner.

"That's my friend Rhonda!" he breezes back.

"Are you eating waffles cause it's Wednesday?"

"I'm eating waffles cause I shouldn't be eating eggs every day."

He lives in Maryland, she says later, and works for a computer company. He always has waffles in the middle of the week.

Sheehan gets to know the guests and their tastes. And, her boss says, she goes out of her way to satisfy them.

When one guest wanted mustard - yes, mustard - with her eggs, Sheehan made sure it was on hand for the rest of her stay. She couldn't accommodate an Asian guest's request for duck egg soup. But when a woman last summer asked for a straw and the buffet didn't have any, Sheehan went to a fast-food place, bought a drink and got the straw.

"For a hotel, the most important thing is guest loyalty," Brinkley says. "Being away from the beach, we've got to put ourselves up and above."

Homewood Suites sits 12 miles from the Oceanfront. Yet its complexion changes dramatically during the summer. Its guest mix - 70 percent business, 30 percent tourist - gets flip-flopped, Brinkley says. Nearly all of its 122 rooms are occupied.

That also changes Sheehan's job. She has to prepare for - and clean up after - a lot more people. So the breakfast crew gets doubled. Today another employee, Tiffany Freeman, will join her at 7.

The types and quantities of food also get modified. Sheehan estimates she goes through three to four times more waffle batter during the summer. Some breakfast standards get featured more regularly, like scrambled eggs.

They're big with children, Sheehan says, especially when topped with cheddar cheese.

But not always.

A mother and son approach Sheehan, asking if he can have cheese-less eggs. She bounds into the kitchen with a plastic plate and returns with a helping.

"He asked for 'no fromage,' " Sheehan says. "He's from Canada."

At 8:15, most of the 18 tables are empty. The breakfast rush, with its rollicking parade of families, usually hits between 8:30 and 9:30. But Sheehan is already a blur of motion, darting between the buffet area and kitchen.

She wipes off spatter from the edge of the chafing dish holding the scrambled eggs and lifts out the nearly empty potato dish. In the kitchen, she takes a tray of hot potato wedges from the oven and, with one sweeping motion, empties it into the dish, which she replaces at the buffet. She spots a nearly full trash bag, carries it to the kitchen and vigorously rubs her hands with sanitizer.

"I've been hyperactive my whole life," she says. "It's not going away. That's why I do this job."

Sheehan, 40, once went to secretarial school. She didn't last. She couldn't imagine being cooped up in an office all day. For nearly all her adult life, she's worked at restaurants and hotels.

"I like not doing the same thing every day, and you get to talk to different people," she says. "I'll talk to anybody."

She chats up a man wearing a Boston Red Sox T-shirt, mentioning her New England roots (born in Lynn, Mass., and raised in Peabody) and her happiness to be done with the rough winters.

To another, as he's taking an apple-cinnamon scone, she mentions that the next batch will be blueberry. Later, he asks for a blueberry. She gets him one from the kitchen, though the buffet still has the apple cinnamon.

During another stop in the kitchen, Sheehan takes a swig from a bottle of Mountain Dew. "This keeps me going," she says. "I don't drink coffee."

She lives in an apartment not far away. To get to work by 5:15, she gets up at 4:45. "I'm not a glamour girl," she says. "I take a shower, put my hair up and go to work."

She works six days a week during the summer. They're usually split shifts. Sheehan stays till about 10:30 a.m., and then works from 4 to 7:30 p.m., preparing and cleaning up after a complimentary dinner that the hotel offers Mondays through Thursdays.

"I don't mind it at all," she says. "I go home, walk and feed the dog, and take a nap for an hour."

Dinner, too, has a more kid-friendly feel in the summer. Chicken cordon bleu disappears from the menu, replaced by chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese. Unchanged are Sheehan's bubbly personality and attention to guests' tastes.

Brian Ogden has traveled on and off from outside Nashville to do IT work in Norfolk since February 2010. Sheehan knows his food preferences so well that if the dinner option isn't to his liking, she'll have a PB&J sandwich waiting for him. And she always supplies Ogden with barbecue sauce for a chicken meal.

"She's just great," he says. "You see some of the same old faces, and she knows all of them by name."

The breakfast rush arrives and by 8:41, nearly all the tables are filled, almost all by families.

The door to the kitchen swings back and forth as Sheehan replenishes supplies. More scones. More potatoes. More plates.

She opens a plastic bag of frozen sausage patties, dumps them onto a tray and slides it into the oven. "This is sausage bag No. 3 today," she says. Each has 80 patties.

"Run, run, run, run," she says. "I want some roller skates."

Sheehan has lost 31 pounds since she began working at Homewood. The city's best breakfast bar attendant usually doesn't eat breakfast, though she's sampled the buffet offerings. "I'd rather eat a big lunch," she says.

Eggs are her favorite dish to make for the buffet, though she's relatively new to the process: "I told them the first day I didn't know how to make them. I never made eggs in my life."

She learned fast. The key: "Watch them."

She's also learned this: If it's cloudy, guests sleep in and come down later for breakfast. Salt is out of favor. Young female athletes tend to favor yogurt and bagels: boys, eggs and sausage.

"You know the waffle machine is going to get messy. You know kids are going to spill juice. I don't think anything is a challenge if you know it's going to happen."

It's 9:33, and cleanup is in full swing. Sheehan wraps or tosses leftover food and returns dishes and trays to the kitchen, which she and Freeman, her partner on the shift, will wash by hand.

Among the tasks to come: vacuuming and mopping the floors, and taking the trash to the Dumpster outside. Even that unappetizing prospect doesn't crack Sheehan's positive demeanor.

"You have to love your job and be happy every day you're here. And I'm definitely happy."

As she disassembles the buffet, a boy approaches, asking for apple juice. Sheehan points out the dispenser, sitting on a cart ready to be wheeled back to the kitchen. But she doesn't stop there.

Sheehan walks over with him and presses the lever down as he holds his cup beneath the spout.

Philip Walzer, (757) 222-3864, phil.walzer@pilotonline.com

AAA: Fewer Americans to travel this Labor Day weekend

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:53:32 GMT

A shrinking number of travelers are expected to take a trip this Labor Day weekend, as consumers wrestle with economic turmoil and rising travel costs.

The Heathrow-based AAA auto club said Wednesday it expects 31.5 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday. That's down about 2.4 percent from the 32.3 million people who traveled last Labor Day, the group said.

"AAA is projecting a decrease in the number of Labor Day travelers, as some Americans react to recent economic uncertainty and increasing airfares," said Glen MacDonell, director of AAA Travel Services.

Consumers might choose to make last-minute trips if recent declines in gas prices continue through Labor Day on Sept. 5, AAA said. Right now, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.57 - about 86 cents higher than a year ago.

Despite higher fuel costs, the majority of travelers surveyed - 87 percent - said they are expected to drive to their destination. That's a slight increase in the share of road warriors among all travelers compared with a year ago.

The nation's airports will likely be less busy this year, as travelers shy away from more-expensive air travel. Labor Day airfares are expected to be 13 percent higher compared with a year ago. AAA said it expects 2.5 million people to take to the skies for holiday trips - down 1.9 percent from a year ago.

The travel club is also expecting a sharp decline in the use of alternative forms of transportation, such as trains and buses, favored by lower-income travelers.

In addition to higher airfares and gas prices, travelers are likely to see higher rates for the privilege of not bunking with their relatives: The average price for a AAA three-diamond hotel over Labor Day is expected to be 6 percent more this year than in 2010, with travelers spending an average of $148 per night.

skclarke@tribune.com or 407-420-5664

Five Beaches to Spend Labor Day Weekend

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:35:43 GMT

It's hard to believe we're talking about Labor Day already. After such a long and dreary winter for so much of the U.S., it seems like summer has whizzed by. Nonetheless, Labor Day weekend is often the last chance for many Americans to take one last warm vacation before settling in for the fall and winter. To help you plan that last hoorah, we've put together this list of some of the best beach destinations to spend Labor Day weekend.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Myrtle Beach is a classic beach destination. From water sports to fishing to amusement parks to golf, Myrtle Beach has the full package. However, Labor Day weekend is also one of its busiest weekends of the year. Nonetheless, it's one of the best beach destinations for the budget traveler. This is also the weekend of the Labor Day Weekend Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival, which is worth a visit.

St. Augustine, Florida: As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is a great spot for its balance of history, culture, and beaches. This is a stark contrast to many beach towns that don't have the same cultural experiences that you can have in St. Augustine. With its location just south of Jacksonville and within a short drive of some of Florida's best beaches, this is a great spot for one last beach vacation for the year.

Santa Catalina Island, California: Santa Catalina Island is a great pick because it offers an island experience, but just off the Pacific Coast. We recommend one of the many great guest homes or bed and breakfasts as your lodging of choice. For a quaint beach town where you can walk to everything you need, few rival with Santa Catalina Island.

Virginia Beach, Virginia: This is one of the best weekends of the year to visit Virginia Beach, Virginia because of the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival, which takes place Labor Day weekend. The event includes live music, food from local restaurants, and other activities. This year's music lineup includes ZZ Top and the Stone Temple Pilots.

Hermosa Beach, California: Like some of the other destinations on this list, Hermosa Beach makes it because of some of the events that take place Labor Day weekend. Labor Day weekend in Hermosa Beach means the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California. The event is more of a weekend party, with arts and craft vendors, delicious food, live music, and beer and wine gardens. With its location just steps from the beach, you'll be enjoying a lot of time outdoors for that last summer vacation.

Click here to view on-line article.

REGISTER EARLY! VA-1 Tourism Summit

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:16:11 GMT

Like to Love is the theme for this year's VA-1 Tourism Summit which gives industry professionals a premier opportunity to gain valuable experience from numerous seminars and presenters. You will build new partnerships with the best minds in the business while making critical contacts with industry leaders.

Presented by the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, the Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the VA-1 Tourism Summit is the premier event for the Virginia Tourism Industry. This event will rally together tourism industry professionals from across Virginia. Speakers will present cutting edge research and marketing techniques in addition to innovative methods to foster tourism development.

Click here to view the agenda!

Registration
Take advantage of early bird registration rates! This special pricing expires September 26, 2011.

Registration Item	Cost (per person)
Early Bird Registration Fee before Sept. 26, 2011	$125
Standard Registration Fee after Sept. 26, 2011	$145
Electronic Marketing Workshop Fee - Optional - Introductory Social Networking Course - Advanced Social Networking and Online Marketing Techniques (Select One)	$50

Registration fee includes all sessions and meals as noted on the agenda. Due to its popularity, seating is limited for Monday morning's Electronic Marketing Session and requires an additional fee of $50 per person.

Click here to register online or download Registration Form here!

Accommodations
Hotel reservations may be made with the Hilton Hotel and Spa at Short Pump. Call 1-800-445-8667 or 804-364-3600 and request the VA-1 Tourism Summit room rate to make your reservations. King and double rooms are available for $137 per night. The VA-1 Tourism Summit room block expires October 3, 2011.

Hilton Hotel & Spa at Short Pump
12042 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23233

VA-1 Tourism Summit • 2101 Libbie Ave • Richmond • Virginia, 23230

Tel: 800-552-2225 • Fax: 804-285-3093 • Email: va1@vhta.org

VA-1 Tourism Summit • 2101 Libbie Ave • Richmond • Virginia, 23230

Tel: 800-552-2225 • Fax: 804-285-3093 • Email: va1@vhta.org

New Study Proves Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:36:13 GMT

New Study Proves Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation

Comprehensive Analysis of Michigan and Philadelphia Programs Reveal Increases in Jobs; State and Local Tax Revenue

JULY 6, 2011

Washington, DC - Reducing state and local tourism marketing programs in the name of saving taxpayer dollars impedes economic growth, according to new research conducted by Longwoods International and commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association. A comprehensive analysis of recent campaigns by the State of Michigan and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) reveals that marketing programs drive greater visitation, generate new tax dollars and create jobs for states and local communities.

"There's a reason that America's most prominent brands continue to increase their marketing budgets: it works," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "This study proves that destinations must operate like Nike, Apple and similar businesses that have followed the marketing path to success. Substantial cuts to destination marketing programs are counterproductive and will have long-term negative economic consequences."

The research proves that destination marketing programs generate more tax revenue than they cost by driving substantial increases in visitation and spending in local communities.

"Legislators are ignoring basic economics if they slash destination marketing programs," said the report's author, Bill Siegel, founder and CEO of Longwoods International. "The return on investment of destination marketing programs is significant and nearly immediate."

After inconsistent promotion efforts for decades, the Pure Michigan® state promotion campaign began regionally in 2006 and went national in 2009. The powerful and non-traditional storytelling of Pure Michigan® has stimulated 7.2 million trips to Michigan by out-of-state visitors. Those visitors spent $2 billion at Michigan businesses and generated $138 million in new tax revenue for Michigan - more than three times the cost of the advertising itself.

In 2010, the second year of national Pure Michigan® advertising, spending by out-of-state leisure visitors jumped 21%, from 2009 to $6.4 billion. At the same time, Michigan tourism-related employment rose by 10,000 jobs. While facing a large deficit and forcing significant cuts to entitlement programs, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder nonetheless added $10 million in additional funding to the Pure Michigan® campaign in 2011, stating: "It brought in more tax revenue than it has cost our state."

In Philadelphia, a 1995 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts identified leisure travel as a potential replacement industry for lost manufacturing jobs. This led to the creation of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation in 1996 by Pew, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to promote the region to leisure travelers. Through a sustained marketing program over the last 15 years, Philadelphia's image has transformed and visitation has surged, delivering returns to the city and state.

"Fifteen years ago, Philadelphia was considered a two-hour stop," said Meryl Levitz, founding president and CEO of GPTMC. "Then we became on overnight sensation, and now we are a premier destination where visitors stay for multiple days and come back several times a year."

Since 1997, overnight visitation to Greater Philadelphia has grown 66 percent, six times faster than the national growth rate of 11 percent. GPTMC's most recent campaign began in 2009 in the midst of the deepest and longest economic downturn since the Great Depression. With a budget of just $4.3 million in 2009/2010, With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® generated 3.7 million incremental trips to the Philadelphia region, injecting $432 million in visitor spending and $24 million in new state tax revenue and $22 million to local governments. The marketing program also generated over 7,000 additional jobs for Greater Philadelphia at a reasonable cost of $600 in advertising for each job created.

According to the U.S. Travel Association's 2009 annual Survey of State Tourism Office Budgets, 31 states cut funding for tourism advertising and marketing by 13 percent, or $52.7 million, between 2008 and 2009.

The state of Washington closed its tourism office in June 2011, harkening back to Colorado's decision to abolish its marketing program in 1993 due to budget constraints. According to a landmark study by Longwoods International, Colorado eventually lost more than 30 percent of its share of domestic visitors and more than $2 billion annually in visitor spending. With funding for Colorado's marketing program now restored, the state treasury sees a 12:1 return on marketing investment, and trips to Colorado have rebounded to record levels.

Download the complete study: The Power of Destination Marketing.

Contact:
Cathy Keefe (202) 408-2183

Early Tourism Figures Suggest A Recovery - Inside Business

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:04:35 GMT

Early tourism figures suggest a recovery

Posted: August 19, 2011

By Danielle Walker

danielle.walker@insidbiz.com

While tourists fill the beach during the last days of summer, tourism leaders are getting down to business. The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has some early figures for the summer - which seems to be shaping up well.

"In a nutshell, I think we are enjoying a good summer, and have experienced full recovery," said James Ricketts, director of the CVB.

While "recovery" wouldn't describe many industries struggling to ascend from the crash of 2008, the Beach's tourism figures show considerable improvement each year.

In June, the rate for occupancy and room nights booked was up 7.1 percent at the Beach, compared to June 2010. Revenue was also up, by 10.4 percent during the same time period.

Partial figures from July show a slight decrease in occupancy and room nights booked, by 0.3 percent, from July 2010 to July 2011. But yearly revenue increased by 3.3 percent in the 28 days recorded in July by Smith Travel Research.

Visitors have been watching Virginia Beach evolve over the past several years, which is promising for the market, Ricketts said.

"The other parts of the city and Town Center are bringing us more year-round visitation and more city-wide visitation," he said.

"Visitors comment a lot on how the Beach has changed over the years. About 75 percent of our visitors come back, and every year we are getting 25 percent new visitors. That's a strong statement, and we are really pleased with that."

Conventions and meetings have been profitable for the Beach this year.

More than 200,000 nights were booked for meetings and conventions between July 1, 2010, and June 30. The bookings include meetings and conventions booked up to five years out, Ricketts said.

The estimated direct spending for those bookings was $69 million.

Police monument unveiling set for May in Virginia Beach - The Virginian Pilot

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:40:43 GMT

Police monument unveiling set for May in Virginia Beach

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/police-monument-unveiling-set-may-virginia-beach

By Bill Reed
Virginian-Pilot correspondent
© August 18, 2011

The resort Oceanfront will be home to a new monument honoring local, state and federal law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty in Virginia Beach since 1898.

It will join a host of others, including the iconic King Neptune statue at 31st Street and the Oceanfront; the Norwegian Lady statue and the Naval Aviation Memorial at 25th Street; the bronze statue of late Beach strongman John Wareing at 17th Street and the Oceanfront; and a bronze statue of Josh Thompson, who is battling Lou Gehrig's disease, and brother Chris at Grommet Island Park at 2nd Street.

The newcomer will be a 19-foot-high structure with a granite base, topped by three cast-bronze figures representing city police, the Sheriff's Department and state and federal agencies. It will occupy prime space along the Boardwalk at 35th Street, replacing a set of colorful concrete beach balls long familiar to passers-by.

Unveiling of the $418,000 piece is scheduled for May 2, as part of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week observances across the nation, said A.M. "Jake" Jacocks, retired police chief and president of the Virginia Beach Police Foundation. This is a nonprofit group heading up fundraising efforts for the memorial. The statue is the work of sculptor Paul DiPasquale, who created the King Neptune statue.

Among those to be honored are Princess Anne County Constable Malachi Beasley, shot and killed Sept. 24, 1889, only hours after being sworn in, while confronting a man on the run with a stolen pistol, and Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi, who died in a June 23, 2003, shootout with a robber during a traffic stop on Dam Neck Road.

Jacocks said the police foundation is accepting donations for the memorial and for aid to families of fallen officers. Checks and money orders can be made to the foundation at P.O. Box 56385, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.

Road Closure Notice - 49th Annual East Coast Surf Championships

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:45:56 GMT

Please find attached the Road Closure Notice for the 49^th Annual East Coast Surfing Championships "ECSC 8K" to be held Saturday, August 27^th on Atlantic Avenue. If you have any questions, please contact Brooks Hierstein at the Resort Management & Special Events Office at BHierste@vbgov.com or 757-385-6637.

For more information about this event, or any other beach events, please visit our web site at www.vbhma.com.

City Raises American Flags to Commemorate Afghanistan Tragedy and Military Sacrifices

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:06:38 GMT

City Raises American Flags to Commemorate Afghanistan Tragedy and Military Sacrifices

Release Date: Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:15 p.m.

In tribute to the servicemen recently killed in Afghanistan, and the daily sacrifices of all members of the military, the City of Virginia Beach will raise 60 flags along the boardwalk at the oceanfront this weekend. They will be in place by the end of the day Sunday, August 14 and will remain in place until sundown on Monday, Sept. 5. All flags will be flown at full mast

The city also encourages citizens and businesses to raise their own American flags to honor not only the loss Virginia Beach has suffered, but also to thank all those in the military and their families."

"Our entire community grieves for the victims and their families," said Mayor Will Sessoms. "We want to reassure them that they are not alone, and honor all servicemembers for their bravery and sacrifice."

To donate $10 to the Navy SEAL Foundation, citizens with mobile phones can text "SEAL" to 90999. The money will be used to assist the families of the SEALs killed in Afghanistan last weekend. Visit navysealfoundation.org or facebook.com/navySEALfoundation for more information.

Virginia Beach. . .Locavore Destination - Flavor Magazine

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:27:09 GMT

Virginia Beach. . .Locavore Destination

- Flavor Magazine

Read the full article here.

Will the Convention Center Hotel Market Heat Up?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:03:34 GMT

Will the Convention Center Hotel Market Heat Up?
Portman Holdings predicts more RFPs to come as cities invest in new projects.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Beth Kormanik

Cities from Los Angeles to Kansas City to Palm Beach are considering adding convention center hotels, welcome signs of life for developers.

"The convention center business as a whole continues to grow," said Charles Pinkham III, vice president of development at Portman Holdings, a real estate development company. "The pace of that demand is outgrowing the supply, both in convention space and hotel space. Convention centers really flourish when they have adjacent headquarter hotels. On top of that, large, significant convention center hotels can really drive revenue."

Pinkham said he expects to see a handful of cities approve RFPs this year.

"These projects have been on the minds of cities for quite awhile, but because of the downturn they've held off," he said. "The economy as a whole has had some struggles. People aren't as eager to hop on a plane and attend a convention. But the convention business continues to grow. As much as media continues to grow and technology continues to grow, to get the biggest deals done and have the most honest and flourishing relationships, it's still a face-to-face business. Conventions give a great platform to have several of those face to face meetings at the same time."

With a specialty in convention center hotel development, Portman would know. The firm has built big box projects in coastal gateway cities across the United States, including the Marriott Marquis hotels in New York and Atlanta, and has worked with other major brands including Hilton, Hyatt and Starwood. Pinkham credited the firm's founder, John Portman, with inventing the atrium hotel concept with the Hyatt Recency in downtown Atlanta.

Portman also has a global reach, which started in Asia in the late 1970s. It was among the first foreign developers in China and counts among its projects the Shanghai Center, a 2 million square foot mixed-use development that includes the Portman Ritz-Carlton.

"We've been in the convention center business since the beginning," Pinkham said. "A larger part of what we're doing today is still the convention center hotel development. We see a great need for it and we see a lack of supply. Cities continue to expand convention centers. They need the rooms tower adjacent so they can bring people in and give them one place to stay. There's a lot of synergy between those two products. The hotels supply convention centers with additional meeting space, so it almost acts as one cohesive unit. This does well for the city because the conventions bring the hotel business and the hotels bring the conventions business."

Because of the large price tag for these projects, cities typically participate in the projects with an investment, typically by selling bonds. Having municipal investment brings the total construction price down or equity requirement down and gives comfort to the banks, Pinkham said.

"Then they will start to look seriously at the construction financing," he said. "When you have municipal support, that will bolster your economic returns, so you can attract large institutional investors to these deals because they are de-risked."

For example, Pinkham said a $300 million hotel project with a $50 million commitment from the public may entice banks that have been focused on acquisitions to finance new construction because they can build under replacement cost.

"It's not that the city or county or state is giving away money, because they are not. They are truly making an investment that they get a significant return on with the new business and the tax revenue that comes from it," Pinkham said. "They're basically underwriting tax revenue. We will bring in a financing consultant to help structure this so the city, the county or the state gets a very attractive return on their investment."

The financing stake is more important than ever. As the economy has changed, so has the criteria that cities look for in a hotel development partner when they request proposals.

"Ten years ago the focus was on expertise in development and design. Now, while that's still important, the primary focus is on financing," Pinkham said. "Because it's so difficult to get these things done, they want to see a financial package in place that frankly will prove you'll finish the project. As debt financing and equity financing becomes more and more available for hotel development, the priorities will shift, but they really want a full package."

Public entities also are taking fewer chances with their development partners. RFPs now often are written to limit the bidders to companies with previous experience building 1,000-key hotels.

"The business is alive and well," Pinkham said. "It's really our bread and butter. It's not our only business, but we will always work on building convention center hotels."

Whole Foods coming to Hilltop - Inside Business

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:41:49 GMT

Whole Foods coming to Hilltop

Posted: August 5, 2011

The region will soon welcome its first Whole Foods Market, in Virginia Beach, following a lease agreement made between S.J. Collins Enterprises and the organic supermarket chain.

The city of Virginia Beach announced the news July 28.

A 40,000-square-foot store will be constructed in the Hilltop area of the city, on Laskin Road where the former Saturn dealership was located. Whole Foods is scheduled to open by the end of 2013.

"The Whole Foods Market is the perfect complement to the upscale retail and restaurant experience in the Hilltop area," said Warren D. Harris, Virginia Beach director of economic development, in a release.

"We worked for over a year with the Whole Foods Market and their development team to pull together a redevelopment plan for their preferred site on Laskin Road. I can't think of a better fit for our community than the Whole Foods Market."

The opening would also make Whole Foods the largest natural and organic supermarket in Hampton Roads, according to the release.

"Virginia Beach is excited once again to be the first in the market to announce the much anticipated plan to build a Whole Foods Market store in our city." said Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms Jr. in the release.

"Whole Foods Market is a leader in the expanding natural and organic foods business. The Whole Foods Market brand has been built on consistently selling the highest quality natural and organic food products and maintaining high standards of quality, customer service and community involvement. The fact that we have attracted one of the most coveted retailers in the country to our community validates our strategy for growth and sustainability."

By Danielle Walker

Harmonica Happens in Virginia Beach

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:13:17 GMT

Harmonica Happens in Virginia Beach

(Virginia Beach, VA) From August 9-13, Virginia Beach will host almost 500 attendees at the 48^th Annual Conference for the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH). This international non-profit organization will hold seminars geared toward visionary harmonica enthusiasts who are passionate about the harmonica and its relevance to contemporary and future music.

The SPAH Conference is inviting Virginia Beach residents to play or listen to harmonicas during their Open Mic session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or attend their free concert on Wednesday, August 10 at 7 p.m., both located at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center, 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.This year's headliners include: Buddy Greene, International classical virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio, Harmonicamento, Buzz Krantz, Peter Madcat Ruth, Winslow Yerxa and Tuula Cotter, Blues/Swing masters Dennis Gruenling and Steve Guyger, Pat Bergeson, Stan Harper, The Sgro Brothers, Jimi Lee, Jelly Roll Johnson, Steve Baker, and more!

During their stay in Virginia Beach, 100 kids, some from the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Out-of-School Time Summer Program at Ocean Lakes Elementary School, will be able to participate in a "Children's Lunch and Learn: Harmonica Lesson and Parade" held at 9 a.m. on Friday, August 12. In addition, a free concert will be held at 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, August 13 for Assistant Living Residents and Senior Citizens. This concert is open to all Virginia Beach Assistant Living Residents and/or Senior Citizens.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, August 10 - 7 p.m.

Free Concert - Open to all

Friday, August 12 - 9 a.m.

"Children's Lunch and Learn: Harmonica Lesson and Parade" (registration required, ages 7-12)

Saturday, August 13 - 10 a.m. and 12 noon

Free Concert - Only for Assistant Living Residents and Senior Citizens

SPAH membership includes almost 1,000 passionate members from around the world. For more information about this conference or organization, visit www.spah.org.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tiffany Twine, 757-385-6646
ttwine@VisitVirginiaBeach.com

Tom McCraig, 757-486-2001
harpplayer1@verizon.net

Corporation for Travel Promotion to be eliminated by House Republicans

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:39:37 GMT

Power of Travel Coalition | Together We're Stronger

Dear Travel Colleague:

This week, House Republicans are threatening to eliminate the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a part of their "YouCut" campaign. Congress established the Corporation for Travel Promotion, a private non-profit entity, in 2010 to create a marketing and promotion program that would help the U.S. compete for more visitors.

Each week, spending cut proposals are posted on the YouCut website where citizens are able to vote for which government program to end. The cut with the most votes is then introduced as legislation and eventually gets an up or down vote in the House of Representatives.

The Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) is the latest program on the chopping block.

Call Majority Leader Eric Cantor and tell him that the Corporation reduces the deficit, does not use any taxpayer spending, increases exports, and creates jobs that cannot be outsourced. Tell him not to eliminate the CTP!

Click here for the Majority Leader's contact information and talking points about this important issue.

Please call Majority Leader Cantor now!

Majority Leader Eric Cantor: (202) 225-4000

Talking Points for Your Call:

Hello, my name is ______ and I am calling to oppose the inclusion of the Corporation for Travel Promotion on the YouCut website.
The Corporation for Travel Promotion is a private non-profit entity - not a new government program - projected to bring 1.6 million new international visitors each year to the United States, which means $4 billion in new spending, more than $300 million in new federal tax revenue annually, and 40,000 new U.S. jobs.
The Congressional Budget Office reported that the Corporation will actually reduce the federal deficit by $425 million over 10 years.
The Corporation is not funded by taxpayer money. It is funded with private contributions and a minimal user fee on foreign travelers.
This is the type of "government" program that cost-cutting Republicans should embrace.
Eliminating the Corporation for Travel Promotion would not cut spending and lower the deficit. Instead it would eliminate a program that actually raises revenue and lowers the deficit.
I urge you, Majority Leader Cantor, to take this proposal off of the YouCut website and ensure that the Corporation for Travel Promotion is maintained.
Thank you.

We will keep you updated on the developments of this proposal and may send out an updated alert if a bill to eliminate CTP is brought to a vote in the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Candice Knezevic
Power of Travel Coalition

Industry Article - STR: June reports highest RevPAR since Aug. '08

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:08:36 GMT

STR: June reports highest RevPAR since Aug. '08

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee-The U.S. hotel industry finished June with the highest revenue per available room since August 2008, according to data from STR.

In June, the industry reported a 7.8-percent increase in RevPAR to US$68.90. The RevPAR in August 2008 was US$72.14.

Overall occupancy for the United States hotel industry increased 4.2 percent to 67.6 percent and average daily rate ended the month up 3.5 percent to US$101.95.

"The hotel industry's performance improvements during the first half of 2011 have been steady, and we have no reason to believe the second half of the year won't continue on the same track," said Amanda Hite, STR's president. "Demand continues to be at peak levels and supply increases are minimal. High fuel costs have tapered and the summer travel season likely will prove to be a profitable, busy time for hoteliers. As average daily rate growth begins to gain more momentum, we expect the confidence of hotel owners and operators to also rise."

Among the Chain Scale segments, the Luxury segment experienced the largest increases in all three key performance metrics. Its occupancy rose 5.7 percent to 74.3 percent, its ADR rose 6.6 percent to US$248.52, and its RevPAR increased 12.7 percent to US$184.66.

The Midscale segment was the only segment to report a decrease in any of the three key performance metrics. The segment's ADR fell 1.2 percent to US$75.22.

Among the Top 25 Markets, Dallas, Texas, reported the largest occupancy increase, rising 13.7 percent to 66.4 percent. Three other top markets posted double-digit occupancy increases: Miami-Hialeah, Florida (+11.0 percent to 70.9 percent); Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida (+10.8 percent to 60.4 percent); and Detroit, Michigan (+10.6 percent to 66.3 percent). New York, New York, ended the month virtually flat with a 0.9-percent decrease to 85.4 percent.

None of the Top 25 Markets reported ADR or RevPAR decreases.

San Francisco/San Mateo, California, achieved the largest ADR increase, rising 15.0 percent to US$149.85, followed by Nashville, Tennessee (+10.9 percent to US$98.92), and Oahu Island, Hawaii (+10.2 percent to US$160.77).

Six markets experienced RevPAR increases of more than 15 percent: San Francisco/San Mateo (+20.5 percent to US$127.31); Nashville (+19.1 percent to US$72.89); Miami-Hialeah (+16.9 percent to US$8815); Dallas (+16.7 percent to US$54.94); Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota-Wisconsin (+15.2 percent to US$76.77); and Seattle, Washington (+15.1 percent to US$97.15).

Year-to-date June 2011, the industry's occupancy rose 5.0 percent to 59.2 percent, ADR increased 3.3 percent to US$100.54, and RevPAR was up 8.5 percent to US$59.49.

View U.S. hotel review for week ending 9 January.

Media Contacts:

Jeff Higley
VP, Digital Media & Communication
jeff@str.com
+1 (615) 824 8664 ext. 3318

Rachael Spann Urie
Director, Public Relations
rurie@str.com
+1 (615) 824 8664 ext. 3305

U.S. Half Marathon Record Holder Ryan Hall to Compete in Labor Day Weekend Road Race

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:42:31 GMT

U.S. Half Marathon Record Holder Ryan Hall to Compete in Labor Day Weekend Road Race

Virginia Beach, VA -- July 27, 2011 -- It's the original half-marathon of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, featuring three days of music on the beach, 13.1 miles of entertainment and a spectacular oceanfront finish line festival. And after nine straight years of Kenyan domination, an American will toe the start line as the favorite to become the event's first U.S. champion.

U.S. Half Marathon record holder Ryan Hall has confirmed that he will be racing in the eleventh edition of the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon on Sunday, September 4, while the soundtrack of the weekend will be provided by a star-studded Verizon Wireless American Music Festival lineup featuring the Stone Temple Pilots, ZZ Top and Bret Michaels headlining the Labor Day Weekend extravaganza.

"With the Stone Temple Pilots performing on Friday night and Ryan Hall racing on Sunday, 2011 is shaping up to be our best event yet," said Megan Bitsoff, Event Manager. "We are proud to be part of the Hampton Roads community with a world class road race that ignited the half-marathon boom over the past decade."

Entering its 11th year, the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon is Virginia's premier running event, attracting between 15,000 and 20,000 participants to the city on Labor Day weekend. Each half-marathon participant receives free entry into the three-day American Music Festival by presenting their race number.

The entertainment kicks off on Friday night, September 2 with headliner Stone Temple Pilots on the 5th Street Beach Stage, followed by a matinee performance with ZZ Top on Saturday. Runners will celebrate their half-marathon finish on Sunday night to the party anthems of legendary rock star Bret Michaels.

"I'm looking forward to my first Rock 'n' Roll event of the year in Virginia Beach," said Hall, America's fastest distance runner, who has spent the past month training in Europe. "It will be nice to head back to the U.S. and run on home soil after the summer season as I continue to prepare for the Olympic Marathon Trials. I'm sure there will be some great competition and I'm looking forward to a good solid race on Labor Day Weekend."

Throughout its history, the Virginia Beach event has produced some great champions including Paul Tergat and Martin Lel. If Hall was to follow in their footsteps he would have to break the stranglehold of African domination at the race; nine of the ten races to date have seen the champion hail from Kenya aside from year one, which was won by Shadrack Hoff of South Africa.

Race weekend kicks off Friday with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo presented by Power Balance at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The expo is free and open to the public where over 100 exhibitors offer free nutritional samples, showcase the latest in running gear and fitness apparel. It's also a great place to mingle and listen to experts and celebrities giving last minute racing tips.

Friends and family of participants can purchase a passport pin for $35 to receive entry to each day of the American Music Festival. For more information, or to register for the event, visit Competitor.com.

About the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

The Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon will celebrate its 11th anniversary welcoming 20,000 participants to the oceanfront road race. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, more than 20 live bands and hundreds of local high school cheerleaders entertain and cheer on participants along the scenic course. The event concludes with a finish line party and Sunday night concert in partnership with the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival. For more information or to register for the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon, visit or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

Virginia Beach - A Runner Up at No. 12 on The 10 Best Beaches for Families: 2011

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:11:15 GMT

A Shore Thing: The 10 Best Beaches for Families: 2011

Virginia Beach is ranked at #12 as a runner up for The Ten Best Beaches for Families: 2011, according to Parents magazine!

12. South Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Runner Up)

You can't go wrong with any beach in this family-friendly town, but this spot located near Second Street has the first beach playground in the country that accommodates kids with physical disabilities.

visitvirginiabeach.com

Industry Article - STR reports 2Q 2011 results

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:42:39 GMT

STR reports 2Q 2011 results

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee-The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance metrics for second-quarter 2010 in year-over-year measurements, according to data from STR.

The industry's occupancy increased 4.5 percent to 63.4 percent, average daily rate rose 3.5 percent to US$101.44, and revenue per available room was up 8.1 percent to US$64.28.

"The second quarter was solid, reflecting continued improvement in the industry's recovery cycle," said Bobby Bowers, senior VP at STR. "RevPAR increased more than 8 percent, which was slightly lower than Q1 but on a much more difficult prior-year comparison. ADR growth continued at a frustratingly sluggish pace, and occupancy increased for the sixth consecutive quarter. In the second half of the year, we expect increased ADR contribution to RevPAR gains as occupancy growth settles to more sustainable levels and improved operator confidence translates into more aggressive pricing."

Among the Top 25 Markets, Detroit, Michigan (+10.1 percent to 61.1 percent), and Houston, Texas (+10.1 percent to 63.0 percent), reported the largest occupancy increases for the quarter. New York, New York, reported the largest occupancy decrease, falling 1.1 percent to 85.0 percent, followed by Washington, D.C., with a 0.9-percent decrease to 76.4 percent.

None of the top markets reported decreases in either ADR or RevPAR for the quarter.

Two markets reported double-digit ADR increases: San Francisco/San Mateo, California (+13.6 percent to US$148.30), and Oahu Island, Hawaii (+11.3 percent to US$160.64).

Miami-Hialeah, Florida, achieved the largest RevPAR increase, rising 20.1 percent to US$110.12, followed by San Francisco/San Mateo (+19.6 percent to US$120.40); Houston (+14.7 percent to US$60.06); and Oahu Island (+14.7 percent to US$122.40).

Media contacts:

Jeff Higley
VP, Digital Media & Communications
jeff@str.com
+1 (615) 824-8664 ext. 3318

Rachael Spann Urie
Director, Public Relations
rurie@str.com
+1 (615) 824-8664 ext. 3305

Industry Article - Sites for the QR-enabled Tourist

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:31:06 GMT

Sites for the QR-enabled Tourist

If geocaching isn't geeky enough for you, here's a new tech trend that gets you out of your chair and pounding the streets: guided tours powered by QR (quick response) codes. Some travel and tourism organizations are now using QR codes to replicate the self-guided audio tours that have long been a staple of museums or landmarks. Enterprises looking to deploy these tags in their own marketing collateral might want to take a closer look at some of these examples.

Gotham Guide claims to be the first QR tour of New York City, covering areas as far south as the Brooklyn Bridge and as far north as Central Park. Did you know that some of New York's wealthiest citizens live in converted horse stables? You can find out at the Washington Mews stop on the six-hour tour.

Tourism organizations are beginning to pile on. The Long Beach (WA) Peninsula Visitors Bureauhas stashed 19 QR codes along the 8.5-mile coastal Discovery Trail. The codes point out areas of interest and deliver background on the many pieces of art that dot the way.

Fort Smith (AR) National Park partnered with the city of Fort Smith to link QR codes posted around the park to brief informational videos hosted by the city. The park is the first National Historic Site to use the technology and the results have been encouraging enough that the cities of Van Buren and Fort Smith are now incorporating QR into their marketing programs. BeeTagg.com helps track results.

Other parks are likely to jump on the bandwagon. The town of Crested Butte (CO), the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and the local tourism association are now developing a similar programfor historic buildings in the Colorado town.

San Antonio's famous River Walk has recently been embellished with a tour that places a dozen QR codes along a 1.7 mile stretch. The codes of link back to an audio narration by a local historian and author.

The City of Grand Rapids (MI) has 13 stops on its QR tour along with a printable map that gathers all the codes in one convenient place. Visitors are encouraged to snap photos and upload them to Flickr as well as to check in on Foursquare. Now the whole state of Michigan may be joining the craze. The Michigan Department Of Transportation this began printing QR codes on the maps it distributes to tourists.

Napa Valley's ARTwalk is adding an interactive dimension to its tour. Visitors can learn about sculptures via audio narrations. Once the exhibit comes to and, they can login and vote for their favorite artwork.

Glasgow's Mackintosh Heritage Group experimented last summer with three architectural tours to guide visitors to some of the great structures in the city. Each tour lasted about 90 minutes. Cards were distributed to visitors with a starter code and instructions on how to use the technology. No word on whether the experiment was repeated this year.

With virtual tours, codes don't necessarily have to be on-site. The Canadian Tourism Commissionused them in a national newspaper campaign last year to link readers to pictures and videos of places they might like to explore how their summer vacations.

Attendees at the Rochester Jazz Festival last year could snap pictures of giant codes on postersplaced throughout the grounds to access the festival guide.

Sometimes, QR means never having to say you were there. VisualTour.com lets real estate agents and home sellers embed codes into ads, flyers and even outdoor signs. Potential buyers can snap a picture of the code and get a video walk-through. Monterey County (CA) Virtual Tours provides a similar service. Search QR real estate on Google and you'll find dozens of other examples.

And if you're worried about your legacy, well, here's another way to leave something behind. Quiring Monuments has introduced the QR-enabled "Living Headstone." Visitors to a grave site can link to an archive of information about the deceased. Price for a five year subscription: $65.

Wedding Photos taken at the VB Convention Center featured on Essence.com

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:38:52 GMT

Bridal Bliss: Love & Basketball

Wedding photos of a couple recently married at the Virginia Beach Convention Center can be seen on Essence.com, the website for the popular women's magazine Essence. Click on the title link to view the photos!

New funding program to help tourism

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:14:22 GMT

New funding program to help tourism

A new funding program overseen by the Virginia Tourism Corp. has been launched to help localities scale a financing hump for tourism projects.

Virginia Beach plans to participate in the Tourism Development Financing program, which became effective this month, to spur development of the Dome site at the Oceanfront.

The project, an entertainment megaplex in the 19th Street corridor, is being negotiated by the city and a developer, Texas-based Leisure and Recreation Concepts Inc., known as LARC.

"We are not using [state] funds, like a grant program," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corp.

Instead, the program would help finance up to 20 percent of the project through taxes generated from the development.

Localities will be eligible to participate in the program if they have a minimum of 80 percent of funding for their project, through loans or equity.

"We are not dipping into existing taxes, these are taxes generated from the project itself," Bailey said.

The tourism bill came into existence through the Tourism Taskforce of Gov. Bob McDonnell's Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission. The task force met from June 1 to Sept. 15, 2010, and industry research was conducted in August.

According to Bailey, research indicated that localities throughout the state needed a public-private mechanism to assist in tourism development - encompassing everything from hotels to larger-scale developments, like the Dome site.

"There were a lot of localities that said they really needed an amphitheater or a hotel, and they couldn't get that last bit [of funding]," Bailey said.

The Dome site will encompass more than 40 entertainment components near the Oceanfront. The city's website describes it as an entertainment megaplex in the 19th Street corridor.

The 8.6-acre development was an entertainment venue for more than 35 years at the Beach, before being demolished in 1994 to make way for an improved complex.

According to the city's website the Dome will "feature a variety of entertainment options and a parking garage."

"Preliminary plans for the site include the tallest Ferris wheel on the East Coast, movie theaters, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a 2,500-seat Broadway-style theater, children's amusement rides and much more."

Plans for what to do with the Dome site have been ongoing for years.

"It's the entertainment project we've been negotiating for the last three years," said Jim Ricketts, director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"There are a of couple points that we are still negotiating through, but hopefully we will have that agreement sometime this fall," Ricketts said.

Michael Jenkins is the founder and president of the development company, Leisure and Recreation Concepts Inc.

"The additional visitation that is going to occur because of that entertainment center is going to greatly benefit the existing businesses, restaurants, hotels and attractions near it," Ricketts said.

The meeting and convention business will also benefit, he said, because the entertainment complex would serve as a year-round attraction.

There is no deadline for localities looking to participate in the tourism funding program.

Details of the initiative are still being developed, according to Bailey.

She hopes the program will help encourage areas in the state to develop a sound tourism plan for the region or city, a guideline for those participating in the program.

"We are exploring an electronic [method], for those submitting a tourism plan," Bailey said. "So it will be easy for localities to submit and be less cumbersome with paperwork." nib

By Danielle Walker
danielle.walker@insidebiz.com

Virginia Beach Boardwalk: 9th Best in the US

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:29:27 GMT

National Geographic ranks Virginia Beach Boardwalk as 9th best in the United States

Virginia Beach makes the ranks at #9 on National Geographic's list of "Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks"!

"Stretching three miles (five kilometers) along the Atlantic Ocean, the concrete Virginia Beach Boardwalk links live music venues, amusement rides, and bicycle rental shops (a separate bike path runs parallel to the promenade). Scattered along the way is a parade of nautical sculptures, the most famous of which is the 34-foot (10-meter) bronze King Neptune-an iconic photo op."

click for full article

Industry Article - Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:42:17 GMT

U.S. Travel Association Releases Comprehensive Analysis Proving Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation Resulting in More Jobs, State and Local Tax Revenue

WASHINGTON, DC - July 6, 2011 - Reducing state and local tourism marketing programs in the name of saving taxpayer dollars impedes economic growth, according to new research conducted by Longwoods International and commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association. A comprehensive analysis of recent campaigns by the State of Michigan and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) reveals that marketing programs drive greater visitation, generate new tax dollars and create jobs for states and local communities.

"There's a reason that America's most prominent brands continue to increase their marketing budgets: it works," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "This study proves that destinations must operate like Nike, Apple and similar businesses that have followed the marketing path to success. Substantial cuts to destination marketing programs are counterproductive and will have long-term negative economic consequences."

The research proves that destination marketing programs generate more tax revenue than they cost by driving substantial increases in visitation and spending in local communities.

"Legislators are ignoring basic economics if they slash destination marketing programs," said the report's author, Bill Siegel, founder and CEO of Longwoods International. "The return on investment of destination marketing programs is significant and nearly immediate."

After inconsistent promotion efforts for decades, the Pure Michigan® state promotion campaign began regionally in 2006 and went national in 2009. The powerful and non-traditional storytelling of Pure Michigan® has stimulated 7.2 million trips to Michigan by out-of-state visitors. Those visitors spent $2 billion at Michigan businesses and generated $138 million in new tax revenue for Michigan - more than three times the cost of the advertising itself.

In 2010, the second year of national Pure Michigan® advertising, spending by out-of-state leisure visitors jumped 21%, from 2009 to $6.4 billion. At the same time, Michigan tourism-related employment rose by 10,000 jobs. While facing a large deficit and forcing significant cuts to entitlement programs, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder nonetheless added $10 million in additional funding to the Pure Michigan® campaign in 2011, stating: "It brought in more tax revenue than it has cost our state."

In Philadelphia, a 1995 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts identified leisure travel as a potential replacement industry for lost manufacturing jobs. This led to the creation of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation in 1996 by Pew, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to promote the region to leisure travelers. Through a sustained marketing program over the last 15 years, Philadelphia's image has transformed and visitation has surged, delivering returns to the city and state.

"Fifteen years ago, Philadelphia was considered a two-hour stop," said Meryl Levitz, founding president and CEO of GPTMC. "Then we became on overnight sensation, and now we are a premier destination where visitors stay for multiple days and come back several times a year."

Since 1997, overnight visitation to Greater Philadelphia has grown 66 percent, six times faster than the national growth rate of 11 percent. GPTMC's most recent campaign began in 2009 in the midst of the deepest and longest economic downturn since the Great Depression. With a budget of just $4.3 million in 2009/2010, With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® generated 3.7 million incremental trips to the Philadelphia region, injecting $432 million in visitor spending and $24 million in new state tax revenue and $22 million to local governments. The marketing program also generated over 7,000 additional jobs for Greater Philadelphia at a reasonable cost of $600 in advertising for each job created.

According to the U.S. Travel Association's 2009 annual Survey of State Tourism Office Budgets, 31 states cut funding for tourism advertising and marketing by 13 percent, or $52.7 million, between 2008 and 2009.

The state of Washington closed its tourism office in June 2011, harkening back to Colorado's decision to abolish its marketing program in 1993 due to budget constraints.

According to a landmark study by Longwoods International, Colorado eventually lost more than 30 percent of its share of domestic visitors and more than $2 billion annually in visitor spending. With funding for Colorado's marketing program now restored, the state treasury sees a 12:1 return on marketing investment, and trips to Colorado have rebounded to record levels.

Download the complete study: The Power of Destination Marketing.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14.1 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit www.ustravel.org.

Contact:

Cathy Keefe
(202) 408-2183
ckeefe@ustravel.org

Cook Like Rodney

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:00:45 GMT

from the Old Beach Farmers Market newsletter...

Cook Like Rodney

Our own celebrity chef, Rodney Einhorn, of Terrapin will be appearing on WHRO CREATE, this Saturday. Rodney will be preparing several signature dishes using local produce and provisions from our Market vendors. You'll find his recipes at WHRO's website. CREATE can be found on Cox channel 109 and Verizon FIOS channel 463.

click the image for more information!

Summer 2011 Destination Virginia Beach

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:12:56 GMT

DESTINATION VIRGINIA BEACH
A quarterly publication of the Virginia Beach CVB

Click here to view our latest newsletter, Summer 2011.

You can also sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter at the bottom of the page!

Triple-A Mid-Atlantic's No. 18 Spot on their Top 25 Destinations for June

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:05:22 GMT

AAA Mid-Atlantic announces their Top 25 destinations for June via Twitter
The 18th spot belongs to Virginia Beach!

AAA Mid-Atlantic (@TravelWithAAA) tweeted today that Virginia Beach (@VaBeachCVB) is ranked as the 18th most popular destination for the month of June on their #MidAtlanticTop25! Virginia Beach outranked some popular cities including San Francisco, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Nags Head, NC, Hilton Head Island, SC, St. Louis, MO, and Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Check it out!

(click images to enlarge)

Industry Article - PKF: Demand will increase 4.9 percent, ADR 2.4 percent

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:16:14 GMT

PKF: Demand will increase 4.9%, ADR 2.4%

06 July 2011
HNN Newswire

ATLANTA-The recovery of the U.S. lodging industry continues in a pattern established in the first quarter of 2010, with occupancy gains still outpacing gains in room rate. According to the June 2011 edition of Hotel Horizons, PKF Hospitality Research forecasts that the demand for U.S. hotel rooms in 2011 will increase a solid 4.9%, while the average daily room rate paid by guests will rise a modest 2.4%.

"We continue to be impressed by the pace at which travelers have returned to the road after the depths of the Great Recession," said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF-HR. "Given the headwinds created by stagnant employment and continued weakness in the housing sector of the economy, it is somewhat surprising that hotel demand continues to bounce back as quickly as it has." The 4.9% rise in occupied rooms forecast for 2011 compares to the 7.6% increase in lodging demand for 2010 reported by STR. Both growth rates are well above the STR long-term average annual demand growth rate of 1.5 percent.

"Offsetting the surge in demand, however, has been relatively sluggish increases in room rates. And, as hotel owners and operators know, it is ADR growth that powers profits," Woodworth noted. "Given the sustained robust increases in demand, combined with limited new competition, one would expect that hoteliers should be able to start raising room rates more aggressively. However, market conditions are still very competitive and, with few exceptions, scarcity has yet to be a concern for most lodging consumers. We are forecasting that only 12 of the largest lodging markets in the U.S. will achieve an occupancy in 2011 that is greater than their long-run average. It won't be until 2013 that we see the majority of the 50 markets in our Hotel Horizons® universe exceed their long-run occupancy rate." Accordingly, PKF-HR is forecasting that U.S. room rates beyond 2011 will grow at a greater pace: 5.5 percent in 2012 and another 5.8 percent in 2013.

Unemployment Hurts
The PKF-HR Hotel Horizons® econometric forecasts are driven by the economic projections produced by Moody's Analytics (Moody's). Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying economic variables that are steering the direction and magnitude of the PKF-HR lodging forecasts.

"Since January of 2011 Moody's outlook for the U.S. economy has continued to sour," said John B. (Jack) Corgel Ph.D., the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and senior advisor to PKF-HR. "Moody's has steadily lowered their 2011 forecasts for employment, income, and GDP growth since the beginning of the year. The only economic variable on the rise is inflation due mostly to the increases in the price of gasoline."

"To reflect Moody's fading optimism about the economy in 2011, we have in kind adjusted our lodging forecasts. Compared to our thinking back in March of this year, our expectations for lodging demand growth have improved, but our projections of rate growth have diminished," Corgel said. "Overall, the magnitude of our revenue forecasts have not changed materially, but the composition of the RevPAR growth drivers has. Occupancy gains will dominate the lift in RevPAR more than originally anticipated. After all, many local markets still have not reached long-run average occupancies - the point when rate growth accelerates."

For 2011, PKF-HR is forecasting a 4.3 percent increase in occupancy to accompany the 2.4 percent rise in ADR. The net result is a 6.9 percent projection of RevPAR growth in 2011, slightly less than the 7.1 percent rate forecast by PKF-HR back in March of 2011. PKF-HR's forecast for RevPAR improvement in 2012 has been altered downward as well, from 8.9 percent in March to its current thinking of 8.7 percent.

Unemployment Helps
News of persistent high levels of unemployment is certainly discouraging, but this negative economic condition has had a positive impact on hotel profitability. The continued high rate of unemployment, and the resulting lack of pressure on salaries and wages, has helped to stem the rise in labor costs at U.S. hotels.

Typically during the early stages of the recovery cycle, hotels incur a significant increase in the variable costs associated with the rise in the number of occupied rooms. First and foremost among the rising expenses are labor costs, which account for 46.6 percent of every dollar spent to operate a hotel in the U.S. "Unlike previous industry recoveries, this time around we have observed labor related expenses declining on a dollar-per-occupied room basis. This implies labor cost containment, combined with an increase in employee productivity," Woodworth observed. "By controlling labor costs, hotel managers can offset the inefficient hotel revenue growth and achieve gains on the bottom-line."

PKF-HR is projecting unit-level net operating income to increase 11.7 percent in 2011. Profit growth will be even greater in 2012 (17.9 percent) as room rates begin to drive RevPAR.

Improvement Spreads
The early stages of this lodging recovery were dominated by the upper-tier properties. According to STR, RevPAR growth was by far greatest among luxury hotels in 2010. Looking towards 2011 and beyond, the recovery is projected to spread across the entire spectrum of the lodging industry.

The June 2011 editions of Hotel Horizons® incorporate the new STR chain-scales. For 2011, PKF-HR is forecasting luxury hotels to continue to enjoy the strongest growth in RevPAR (10.0 percent), followed closely by properties in the upscale (9.4 percent) segment. RevPAR growth for all remaining chain-scale categories is forecast to fall in the range of 4.3 percent to 5.7 percent.

"Our forecast of a 2.4 percent increase in the supply of upscale hotel rooms in 2011 reflects the popularity of select-service, boutique, and extended-stay hotels among developers," Woodworth noted. "Concurrently, our 7.8 percent increase in demand forecast for this same segment is indicative of the popularity of these property types among consumers."

For 2012, the top three chain-scales (luxury, upper-upscale, upscale) are all forecast to achieve RevPAR gains in excess of 10 percent. Upper-midscale RevPAR is projected to increase by 8.7 percent, while midscale and economy properties should both enjoy a 6.6 percent boost in revenue.

"Our June forecasts show the length of the recovery for the U.S. lodging industry has been extended a bit, but we are definitely on an upward trajectory. Travelers are returning to the road despite the slowing economy, new supply is not an obstacle, and hotel managers are effectively controlling their costs. These are important ingredients for a solid recovery," Corgel concluded.

Will the summer season prove sunny for hoteliers?

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:38:57 GMT

Will the summer season prove sunny for hoteliers?
July 1, 2011

With the mercury rising and thoughts turning to beaches and barbecues, the hospitality industry is looking forward to what-so far at least-promises to be a period of continued growth and recovery in the wake of a long and challenging economic recession.

While it is still a little bit too early to tell if the turnaround is the start of a long period of robust and sustained growth or simply the bounce after the markets hit bottom, early indicators for the summer leisure travel season are looking up-and that is definitely something to celebrate.

The start of a season that has traditionally been an annual travel and hospitality high point is an appropriate time to take the pulse of the industry. By looking at some of the recent developments, both at home and abroad, and examining the policies, politics and purse strings that are driving the hotel and hospitality industry, we can hopefully begin to get a sense of not only where we are today, but where we are going in the months and years ahead.

Whether it is concern about gas prices, questions about how the industry will respond to an evolving regulatory landscape, or insight into how developing socioeconomic trends will impact hotel owners and operators going forward, an industry-wide snapshot and a look at the next few months will help provide some valuable context for these emerging questions and hot-button issues.

It is summertime, after all, and things are beginning to heat up.

Cautious optimism
As many hospitality industry professionals know all too well, the recovery is still in its early stages. And while a number of positive statistical trend lines indicate the unmistakable beginnings of some positive momentum, uncertainties likely will continue to persist until the looming presence of the recession dims in our collective rearview mirror. The overall mood, while more optimistic than it has been at any point in the last few years, is still one of underlying caution: There is a sense that we do not want to count our bookings before they hatch.

Signs of life
Despite the tentative nature of the recovery, a number of surveys conducted during the first few months of 2011 confirm that hotel owners and operators today are feeling better about the industry's future than at any other period in the last few years. And that sunny outlook is not just because of the weather; there are some very good reasons for optimism. During the first quarter of 2011, we saw some of the most consistent across-the-board growth since late 2008. Occupancies have been on the rise since last December, and that has continued into the middle part of the year.

What is particularly encouraging is the degree to which some of the key financial indices have begun to reflect that trend. Rates, which lacked traction and were lagging behind occupancy, are improving noticeably in recent months. RevPAR is up significantly so far in 2011 and is projected to continue that positive growth into the latter part of the year. Overall, the industry has seen national RevPAR growth of about 9% in the first part of the year, and analysts predict seasonal summer improvement to continue to approach 6%.

According to data from hotel industry research and benchmarking firm STR,recent numbers confirm that ongoing trend. May and June have continued the recent trend of strong performance, and in the second week of June U.S. hotels saw notable improvements in all major performance metrics: a 3% boost in occupancy, a 3.5% increase in average daily rate, and a 6.6% spike in RevPAR. While it is important to remember that year-over-year numbers like these are being compared against industry numbers that were still languishing in the doldrums in the middle of 2010, the trend continues to be encouraging.

Trend lines and headlines
One of key factors driving the recovery has been a notable increase in domestic travel. Leisure travel is up, perhaps at least partly as a result of what you might call a "Cabin Fever Phenomenon"-the pent-up frustration of years of mid-recession conservative vacation planning. For families and hoteliers around the country, the return to the traditional summer vacation for many travelers who had cancelled or delayed trips in recent years comes as a welcome relief.

Gas prices have been making headlines in the first part of the year, with speculation that high prices at the pump would put a dent in some travel plans. The fact that the apparent impact has been negligible might give some ammunition to studies that suggest there is less of a correlation between fuel prices and travel plans than traditionally assumed, but I'm not entirely convinced that is the case. What is more likely is that stable or falling gas prices may encourage road-trippers, and the trend in recent weeks is only going to mean bigger and better things for the industry during the course of the summer. Many traditional driving destinations are already reporting tremendous business in the first half of the year.

On the international front, inbound international travel is up and seems likely to continue strong throughout the summer months. With a relatively weak dollar, a U.S. vacation makes economic sense and is a great value for many international travelers. One hiccup in the process that has gotten attention in recent months is the need to step up our game in terms of making travel visas more accessible to vacationers trying to plan a trip to the U.S. With reports of up to 140 days wait to get a U.S. visa in some countries, it is welcome news indeed that the Department of Homeland Security will be streamlining the visa waiver travel process. Over the course of the summer, DHS will be phasing out the previous application paperwork for citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program in lieu of a more expedient and convenient electronic authorization process: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. While safety and security is always a top priority, it is encouraging to see the DHS take this important step toward a more efficient and effective Visa process.

Moving forward
Online travel agencies and their role in shaping industry dynamics continue to be a hot topic of conversation. Of particular interest at the moment is the taxability of the OTAs: Should they be taxed at local rates? While the impact on hotel owners and operators is uncertain, there is some concern in the hotel community that if taxing authorities are unable to generate sufficient tax revenues from the OTAs, they might lean on the hotel industry.

And there is always the underlying discussion and debate about the utility of OTAs in terms of their broader economic industry impact. Are they really generating business that otherwise wouldn't be there, or are savvy travelers just taking advantage of cut-rate deals?

While several instances of dramatic-and sometimes tragic-spring and early summer weather have impacted travelers and reminded both the industry and the nation just how vulnerable we are to economic shock or events that are out of our control, the industry mood remains positive. The uncertainly of the macroeconomic outlook is always a looming concern, and some in the industry are understandably cautious, but virtually all indicators for the summer leisure travel season are headed in the right direction.

In fact, with hotel owners and operators continuing to report steady growth, some industry observers have predicted that by the end of the year we could regain as much of a third of what was at one point a 30% drop-off at the peak of the recessionary cycle. If-as seems likely-that prediction remains on track by the end of the summer, it will have been a profitable and productive few months for an industry on the rebound.

Robert Habeeb is president and COO of Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, a developer, owner and manager of hotel properties throughout the Midwest. Habeeb can be reached at rhabeeb@fhginc.com or 847.299.9040.

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HotelNewsNow.com or its parent company, Smith Travel Research and its affiliated companies. Columnists published on this site are given the freedom to express views that may be controversial, but our goal is to provoke thought and constructive discussion within our reader community. Please feel free to comment or contact an editor with any questions or concerns.

Contact:

Robert Habeeb
HotelNewsNow.com columnist
rhabeeb@fhginc.com

Exotic Species Offer Unique Green Choice for Menu Planning

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:57:05 GMT

Exotic Species Offer Unique Green Choice for Menu Planning

Mark it down as another unique way that meeting planners can create buzz and "wow" using sustainability-minded food planning. In this case, an exotic waterway species called the bullfish orcownose ray has threatened the native oysters and clams it eats in the Chesapeake Bay, and it has not inspired much culinary interest-until now.

Enter the state of Virginia and its bevy of marketing experts. In a remarkable story of successful rebranding, the invasive species was renamed the "Chesapeake Ray," was intentionally highlighted in new recipes developed by high-end chefs, was heavily advertised with its new label to appeal to local and visiting "foodies," and, as a result, has become a bestseller on menus in Virginia Beach and other Hampton Bay-area locales. "Eat a Ray, Save the Bay" as a marketing mantra has gained real favor among customers, businesses, and now green meeting planners in the region.

Laura Wood Habr is co-owner of Croc's 19th Street Bistro, a Virginia Green-certified restaurant in Virginia Beach that has been recognized by the National Restaurant Association for its many eco-friendly attributes and community leadership. She serves one of her Chesapeake ray recipes as a crunchy, fried oyster-like starter with Key West and cocktail sauces on the side. "It's been selling great since I put it on the menu in January," says Habr, who explained the exotics challenge to a recent group of green meeting media. "People really seem to like it…. They like that it's locally caught, and few of them have tried it before they come to this area."

84% of U.S. Lodging Owners Believe it is Important to Give Travelers the Option to Book Properties on Mobile Devices According to TripAdvisor Marketing Survey

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:51:59 GMT

84% of U.S. Lodging Owners Believe it is Important to Give Travelers
the Option to Book Properties on Mobile Devices According
to TripAdvisor Marketing Survey

NEWTON, Mass., June 22, 2011-- TripAdvisor ®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the results of its latest Accommodation Owners Survey, a poll of U.S. hoteliers, B&B owners and innkeepers that offers a rare inside look at their marketing strategies. Owners cited online marketing: SEO, SEM and banner advertising (63 percent); social media (39 percent); mobile (27 percent); email marketing (22 percent); and paid listings on user-generated review sites (17 percent) as the top areas in which they would prefer to increase spending.

With mobile marketing a major focus for owners, 84 percent of survey respondents said it is important to offer a program that allows travelers to book their inventory using mobile devices. However, the results varied by property type: 92 percent of hotel owners, 77 percent of B&B owners and 77 percent of innkeepers said a mobile marketing program is important.

Marketing Budgets Stable or Growing

Of the survey respondents with a marketing budget, 34 percent said their overall marketing budgets have increased this year, 49 percent said their budgets have stayed the same and 17 percent said their budgets have decreased.

What are accommodation owners' greatest marketing expenses? Online marketing: SEO, SEM and banner advertising (31 percent); dues and subscriptions (16 percent); and online travel agency (OTA) commissions (12 percent) were lodging businesses' top expenses, according to the survey.

Owners Use Social Media to Reach Travelers

Of the survey respondents with a social media program, the majority (60 percent) said that TripAdvisor is the most effective social media site for marketing their properties. Facebook (22 percent) and Twitter (16 percent) were the next most effective sites for marketing their properties, according to owners taking the poll.

The top reasons owners cited for using social media were posting deals/special offers (54 percent), answering customer care questions (48 percent), promoting events (40 percent), sharing general industry news (26 percent) and promoting contests (18 percent).

Survey respondents cited industry research/reports (46 percent), competition (30 percent) and marketing from social media sites (24 percent) as the top three factors in their decision to use social media as a marketing tool.

Top Deals and Distribution Tactics

According to survey respondents, most owners (76 percent) use their property website to market deals to potential guests. Email (52 percent) and social media (44 percent) were the next most commonly used methods for marketing deals, followed by user-generated review sites (25 percent) and online travel agencies (21 percent).

During this summer travel season, the top five deals owners are planning to offer travelers are discounts on rooms (56 percent), special amenities (43 percent), free parking (33 percent), rewards points (26 percent) and deals on nearby attractions (23 percent).

"The latest TripAdvisor Accommodation Owners Survey reveals that, whatever the future may hold, owners' marketing budgets have for now generally increased or stayed the same, which is an encouraging economic indicator," said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business "Lodging owners are placing great importance on online marketing, social media and mobile marketing, as these strategies become increasingly important for reaching discerning travelers online or on-the-go."

Methodology

The TripAdvisor Accommodation Owners Survey was sent by email to a random sample of U.S. accommodation businesses. The survey was conducted from May 18 to June 3, 2011 and generated 770 completed responses. Several questions were offered in a "select all that apply" format and therefore result in responses that yield percentages totaling a number greater than 100 percent.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, TripAdvisor Mobile and Instant Personalization) with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor® Media Group, operated by TripAdvisor LLC, attracts more than 50 million unique monthly visitors* across 18 popular travel brands**. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 40 million unique monthly visitors***, 20 million members, and over 45 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 29 countries worldwide****, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. The division includes Business Listings, which allows hoteliers to connect directly to millions of researching travelers, and Vacation Rentals, which helps property managers and individual home owners list their properties and showcase hotel alternatives.

TripAdvisor Media Group websites have been recognized as top travel resources in 2010 by Conde Nast Traveller, Good Housekeeping, TIME magazine and Travel + Leisure.

TripAdvisor Media Group generated $486 million in revenue in 2010. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Group are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

TripAdvisor is a trademark or registered trademark of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

©2011 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved.

Media Contact:
Kevin Carter
+1-617-795-7577
kcarter@tripadvisor.com

Sandler Center announces 2011/2012 Great Performance Series

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:35:29 GMT

Sandler Center announces 2011/2012 Great Performance Series
5^th Season Celebration
Subscription Packages on Sale Today

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach's premier cultural venue, is pleased to announce its upcoming 2011-2012 Great Performance Series. The upcoming season will feature concerts by popular, country, and jazz music legends, dance, holiday, and family entertainment. The upcoming season is packed with world renowned performers, Grammy-Award winners and student matinees as the Sandler Center continues to build on the successes of its record breaking fourth season.

Subscription packages are available today. Get the best seats in the house, and be the first to purchase tickets to Diana Krall by selecting one of three subscription options!

By choosing 10 or more events, patrons will receive a 20% discount on each ticket purchased, invitations to special receptions, pre-sale ticket purchasing opportunities, and exclusive access to the VIP Founder Room.
By choosing 8 or more events, patrons will receive a 15% discount on each ticket purchased, invitations to special receptions and pre-sale ticket purchasing opportunities.
By choosing 5 of more events, patrons will receive a 10% discount on each ticket purchased.

Visit www.sandlercenter.org or call the box office at (757) 385-ARTS for additional details.

Single tickets for the 2011-2012 Great Performance Series are now available.

Martin Short
January 19, 2012 at 7:30pm - $37, $47, $57, $70
Legendary comedian, actor, writer, singer and producer, whose comedic career stretches over 4 decades.
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Clifford the Big Red Dog^TM - Live!
January 25, 2012 at 10:00am, Noon, and 7:00pm - $10, $15, $20, $25
Character Dinner and Meet & Greet Packages Available. The classic children's sotry celebrates its 50^th year of teaching timeless values through a musical with memorable songs and entertaining choreography. (Recommended for Ages 3-7)
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Diana Krall
February 17, 2012 at 8:00pm - $60, $80, $100, $150 No Discounts
Modern jazz vocalist and pianist brings her classics including When I Look in Your Eyes, Almost Blue, and Quiet Nights.
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Golden Boys - Frankie Avalon, Fabian, & Bobby Rydell
February 23, 2012 at 7:30pm - $50, $65, $80, $125
Featuring three of the most popular teen idols of the late '50s and early '60s, The Golden Boys have proved to be an overwhelming live concert success.
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Locomotion
February 28, 2012 at 10:00am and Noon - $10, $15, $20, $25
The inspiring journey of a boy who discovers his strength, voice and home through the power of poetry. (Recommended for Ages 9+)
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Cirque Musica
March 10, 2012 at 4:00pm and 8:00pm - $27, $37, $47, $57
An all-encompassing experience that artistically blends the grace and thrills of today's greatest cirque performers with the top classical and POPS music featuring veterans of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and Cirque du Soleil.
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Chieftains: St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 11, 2012 at 7:30pm - $40, $50, $60, $75
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains as they mark their 50th year of bringing traditional Irish music performances to the world!
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Tao: The Art of the Drum
March 15, 2012 at 7:30pm - $25, $35, $45, $50
Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming in this worldwide phenomenon.
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Magic School Bus - Live!
March 22, 2012 at 10:00am and Noon - $10, $15, $20, $25
From the arctic to the equator, Mrs. Frizzle and her class learn how conservation, recycling, and alternative energy can make a difference. (Recommended for Ages 5-8)
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DanceBrazil
April 10, 2012 at 7:30pm - $23, $29, $39, $49
Dancers and musicians present a unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and Capoeira, a traditional dance/martial arts form.
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About the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
With 1300 seats, the Sandler Center is an adaptable, acoustically superb space suited for virtually every kind of live performance. In addition to performances for audiences of all ages, the Sandler Center enriches the life of the Virginia Beach community with arts education programs, including student matinees, in-school performances, and master classes with renowned artists.

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Virginia Beach: For Lovers, For Everyone

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:25:10 GMT

Virginia Beach: For Lovers, For Everyone

check out an article featuring Virginia Beach from Interval World Magazine's Summer 2011 edition. click the image to read.

Virginia Beach Renovates Visitor Center for Optimal Energy Use

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:24:49 GMT

Virginia Beach Renovates Visitor Center for Optimal Energy Use
The Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center has undergone green renovations to save the city money and help the environment.

The Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center is an important resource to about 50,000 tourists every year. Following an energy audit, this frequented building recently got some eco-upgrades that have already had noticeable effects. Some of the upgrades include new heating and air-conditioning systems, more efficient lighting and added technology to prevent water heating and energy use while the building is empty. Projected reductions in energy use total 37 percent from the pre-renovated building levels.

This welcome change is in addition to the Visitor Information Center's "Virginia Green" certification based on recycling efforts and low-flow water equipment. These efforts are all part of a larger effort by the city to make Virginia Beach an eco-friendly destination.

These efficiencies will also prove their worth as energy prices rise. The new renovations are expected to save Virginia Beach about $5,000 per year. This story is part of a much larger story in Virginia Beach, where the Joint Energy Committee is committed to a 10 percent reduction of electric usage by city buildings within five years. While the United States still lacks a national energy plan, cities and states can take these sorts of measures to get ahead of tomorrow's energy challenges.

By Eastin Johnson, Local Correspondent

Industry Article - STR: US results for April 2011

Fri, 20 May 2011 14:51:55 GMT

STR: US results for April 2011
20 May 2011

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee-The U.S. hotel industry posted increases in all three key performance measurements during April 2011, according to data from STR.

In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy was up 4.9 percent to 61.2 percent, average daily rate ended the month with a 2.8-percent increase to US$100.55, and revenue per available room rose 7.9 percent to US$61.51.

"The U.S. hotel industry continues to show signs of recovery as the April performance indicates," said Amanda Hite, STR's president. "Though Easter, a traditionally slow travel period, did have some affect on performance, the industry ended the month with positive movement. Of particular note is the 2.8-percent increase in ADR. As rates continue to rise, the gap between current levels and the peak levels of 2008 lessens, which in turn makes hoteliers more comfortable about the operating environment. With the summer travel season right around the corner, we expect to see even stronger performance gains across the board."

Among the Top 25 Markets, Houston, Texas, experienced the largest occupancy increase, rising 14.8 percent to 64.1 percent. Four other markets posted occupancy increases of 10 percent or more: Nashville, Tennessee (+11.2 percent to 65.4 percent); Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia (+10.8 percent to 59.2 percent); Orlando, Florida (+10.8 percent to 76.4 percent); and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota-Wisconsin (+10.0 percent to 64.1 percent). Washington, D.C., fell 6.0 percent in occupancy to 73.7 percent, reporting the largest decrease in that metric.

Two markets reported double-digit ADR increases: Miami-Hialeah, Florida (+13.1 percent to US$170.73), and Oahu Island, Hawaii (+12.2 percent to US$162.43). Washington, D.C., fell 2.9 percent in ADR to US$151.28, reporting the largest decrease in that metric.

Five markets achieved RevPAR increases of more than 15 percent: Houston (+26.0 percent to US$62.73); Miami-Hialeah (+23.8 percent to US$136.25); Oahu Island (+19.2 percent to US$120.20); Orlando (+16.8 percent to US$78.08); and Nashville (+16.2 percent to US$62.25). Washington, D.C., reported the only RevPAR decrease, falling 8.8 percent to US$111.55.

View U.S. hotel review for April.

Media Contacts:

Jeff Higley
VP, Digital Media & Communication
jeff@str.com
+1 (615) 824 8664 ext. 3318

Rachael Spann Urie
Communications Coordinator
rurie@str.com
+1 (615) 824 8664 ext. 3305

Americans ready for vacation, despite high gas prices

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:07:32 GMT

Americans Ready for Vacation, Despite High Gas Prices
Many Americans, fed up with being pent up, appear determined to go on vacation this summer - even though they know it's going to cost them more than in recent years.

Americans ready for vacation, despite high gas prices

More than six of 10 Americans say it's important they get away from home this year, a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds. And many say they're finding ways around high gasoline prices, airfares and hotel rooms to do it.

"Rising gas prices won't at all affect my vacation," says Richard Miller of Plano, Texas, who's flying to San Francisco in July with a ticket he scooped up in a fare sale. "I'm going."

The poll indicates that Americans are prepared to pay more to get away this summer: 71% of those who tend to travel say they expect to spend more on transportation this year, and 44% plan on paying more for food, lodging and entertainment.

Pay more they will. Nearly every aspect of travel in the USA costs more than it did last year, with the summer travel season starting in less than two weeks, on Memorial Day weekend.

A trip to Europe may be out of the question, with airline ticket prices rising and a weak U.S. dollar that limits Americans' spending power. However, the desire to get away from home and work often is trumping rising prices when it comes to traveling within the USA, many in the nation's travel industry say.

"I think the 'staycation' is dead. People are sick of it," says Anne Banas, executive editor of the website SmarterTravel. She says the desire to get away from home began to pick up during the holidays at the end of last year. "People who may have put off vacation during the deepest part of the recession … decided to go, so we saw an uptick. And I think we're going to see that for summer travel as well, even though prices are on (an) upward trend."

Early bookings at some hotels in popular vacation spots such as Orlando are up from last year. But it won't be free-spending boom times like before the financial industry's downward spiral and the recession took away jobs and extra income. Americans are looking to save however they can on vacation - and go by whatever means they can afford.

"It's too expensive to travel by air with a family to 10 different colleges," says Lauren Fix, who is paring her summer search for schools with her college-bound son because of high airfares. Her family also won't vacation overseas, because of the still-shaky economy. But Fix sees a silver lining: "Sometimes a road trip is a better family experience."

Road trips - how roughly 85% to 90% of Americans travel to holiday getaways, according to AAA- will cost more because of high gasoline prices. The national average price for a gallon of regular was $3.96 on Sunday, AAA says. That's $1.08 more a gallon than the $2.88 average at this time last year and can cost a family an extra $20 or so every time they fill up.

High pump prices aren't necessarily a vacation-breaker, many travel watchers say. The USA TODAY poll taken April 30-May 1 of 816 adults who normally take vacations shows they expect to pay more to get to their destinations this year.

"We've seen … that some people may decide not to travel because of gas prices," AAA spokeswoman Heather Hunter says. "But many others will cut back in other areas, perhaps taking a trip that's a shorter distance away or staying in a hotel that's a little cheaper. Or looking for a promotion like free breakfast to help (offset) a larger portion of the travel budget going to gas prices."

Many hotels and tourist spots are sensitive to gas prices and are offering to fill customers' tanks or give discounts to lessen the pain.

Several Marriott hotels offer a $25 gas card for each night of a guest's visit through Labor Day.

Popular country music mecca Branson, Mo., pulls out an incentive at times like this. "We have a gas-buster program we use when gas is an issue, and it certainly is this year," says Dan Lennon of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The deal gives visitors who have receipts showing they've spent more than $40 on gas a discount card they can use at theaters, hotels and other local attractions.

"It could be (worth) as much as $50," Lennon says, "just to take a little bit of the edge off."

Europe not as attractive

Driving remains less expensive than flying for most. Domestic airfares have soared because of rising jet-fuel costs, fewer flights and fuller planes. Tickets on some popular routes are 37% higher than last summer, according to an analysis of 15 popular North American routes by FareCompare.com, done at USA TODAY'S request.

On May 1, the cheapest non-stop, round-trip coach fare between New York and Dallas for late June was $460 - 37% more than that period in 2010 and 64% more than a $280 fare in late June 2009. For the routes surveyed, the cheapest round-trip coach fare rose 19% on average for flights in late June, compared with June 2010.

"All the ingredients in the recipe for higher airline ticket prices are in the chef's hands - out-of-control fuel prices, no empty middle seats, fewer flights and megamergers" among airlines, says FareCompare.com CEO Rick Seaney. He also doesn't expect any "significant, broad-based summer sales this year. There just isn't much incentive to do so."

Trips to Europe also may be out of reach. Airlines have tacked on hefty surcharges for fuel. The cheapest non-stop, round-trip coach fare to London from such cities as Atlanta, New York, San Francisco and Minneapolis will cost on average 9% more in late June than last summer, according to FareCompare.com's analysis. The least-expensive flight to Paris will average 8% more.

"It's hard to spin Europe as a bargain at any point this summer with non-stop, round-trip coach prices near $1,500 and a weak dollar," Seaney says.

Many travelers are taking advantage of the packages, discounts and perks the travel industry is offering.

"Consumers are saying, 'I'm still going to go, but I'm going to do it smartly,'" says Brian Hoyt, spokesman for the online travel company Orbitz. "You're seeing the consumer be very savvy this summer season but again refusing to give up their right to travel."

Customers are grabbing deals in heavy business travel markets such as Chicago and New York, where hotel room rates are down this summer compared with last year, as well as heading to Orlando and Las Vegas where they can find bargains to beat the summer heat, Hoyt says.

"This is going to be the year that people are going to take that trip to Ellis Island. … Or in L.A., they're going to take that Universal (Studios) tour because they know they're going to get a great savings in some of those markets."

Don't take too long to book a hotel room.

Room rates haven't jumped as much as airfares, but they're rising. Average daily rates at U.S. hotels are expected to be more than 4% higher in June, July and August than in the same months last year, according to industry consultant STR.

The industry is preparing consumers to reach deeper into their wallets," says STR Chief Operating Officer Brad Garner.

U.S. hotel revenue is expected to rise 6.7%, to $30.9 billion, over last summer, according to STR.

The Grande Lakes Orlando resort, which includes a Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, expects a good summer. "Our Memorial Day bookings are ahead of pace," says Jim Burns, vice president and managing director, adding that the same is true for the Fourth of July. And "June, July, August all look ahead of the pace of last year. So we're optimistic."

Hotels are rolling out deals to lure visitors.

Starting in mid-June, Best Western will let guests who register and make three visits by Aug. 14 get a voucher for a free one-night stay. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is extending a promotion through Memorial Day that gives guests who book two nights or more a $30 Amazon.com gift card and a coupon to T.G.I. Friday's.

Rental car fleets smaller

Car rental companies reduced the size of their fleets during the recession to help keep rates high, and that's not expected to change this summer. The availability of fewer cars will likely boost rates above last summer's, says Standard & Poor's credit analyst Betsy Snyder.

"I think there will be very tight fleets, because there will be fewer deliveries from auto manufacturers following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan," she says.

Laura Bryant of Enterprise Holdings says customers can expect rates to be "up slightly" - about 1.5% - this summer at the company's three brands: Enterprise, Alamo and National.

Nonetheless, advance bookings for vehicles this summer are stronger than last year, says Chris Brown, executive editor of the trade publication Auto Rental News.

Some tourist destinations may even thrive because of higher prices at the pump.

"When gas prices go up, our visitation goes up, because it's a good, cheap vacation you can take the family to," says Kari Cobb, spokeswoman for Yosemite National Park, who adds that, based on recent trends, the park could see more visitors this year than in 2010.

Jeffrey Olson, spokesman for the National Park Service, says that trips to iconic destinations such as Yosemite or the Grand Canyon are sometimes planned years in advance, so they're not likely to be canceled because it costs more to get there.

Lesser-known parks emerge as popular alternatives when vacationers are on a tight budget, says Olson, who adds that park officials expect a "bit of a bump up in visitation" this summer.

Orlando, the No. 1 summer destination booked on Orbitz, saw lodging occupancy up nearly 8% and average room rates up nearly 5% during the first three months of this year, says Gary Sain, CEO of Visit Orlando. "We anticipate that that will continue," he says.

High gas prices won't keep Pauline Weaver of Fremont, Calif., from vacations to Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Toronto. But, she says, she will "watch my speed more closely."

But high prices are deterring others. Kathy Maynor of Homosassa, Fla., says that besides being worn out from business trips as a medical device consultant, "high airfares, airport hassles, high car rental prices and a down economy make me want to stay put."

Not a chance, says Richard Yamarone of Maplewood, N.J. "Taking on an extra $30, $40, $50 for the family vacation is not desirable, but it doesn't upend the trip," says Yamarone, who plans to drive to several getaways this summer, including the New Jersey shore, Cape Cod and Maine.

"Everything in life is a hassle, especially in travel," he says. "But there will be little to no headaches once you've reached your destination."

Industry Article - PKF: US hotel profits grew 9.8 percent in 2010

Tue, 17 May 2011 11:49:44 GMT

PKF: US hotel profits grew 9.8% in 2010
17 May 2011

ATLANTA, Georgia-After two years of declining profits, the average U.S. hotel enjoyed a 9.8% bottom line increase in 2010, according to a recently released report, Trends in the Hotel Industry, issued by PKF Hospitality Research. The gain, however, does not make up for the 37.9% cumulative loss experienced by U.S. hotels during 2008 and 2009.

While 70 percent of the properties in the Trends® sample enjoyed an increase in total revenue in 2010, only 60 percent were able to convert that into more money in the bank, indicating that the turnaround in industry performance has not occurred evenly across all sectors of the U.S. lodging industry.

"In the March 2011 edition of our monthly Hospitality Market Update newsletter, we noted that the driving force behind revenue growth in 2011 starts with the price tier segment you are positioned within," said R. Mark Woodworth, president of PKF-HR. "The higher the price tier, the greater the projected growth in ADR and, consequently, RevPAR. After analyzing the results of the 2011 Trends® in the Hotel Industry survey, the relationship between price position and profits appears to be as strong as the correlation between room rates and the ability to grow revenue."

According to the 2011 edition of Trends®, hotels in the highest room rate categories achieved the greatest increases in net operating income in 2010. Conversely, properties in the lowest rate categories either achieved minor increases in profit or suffered their third consecutive year of bottom line declines.

"The full-service properties in the Trends® sample typify this relationship between prices and profits," Woodworth said. "Within the full-service category, those hotels in the lowest ADR category (less than $100) saw just a slight 0.3 percent increase in profits in 2010. At the other end of the spectrum, upper-upscale and luxury hotels with an ADR greater than $200 enjoyed a strong 33.0 percent gain in profit."

Each year PKF-HR collects financial statements from thousands of hotel owners and operators across the U.S. for its Trends® in the Hotel Industry report. The 2011 Trends® report marks the 75th anniversary of this publication and provides industry benchmarks for 2010 unit-level revenues, expenses, and profits. For the purpose of this report, profits are defined as net operating income (NOI) before deductions for capital reserves, rent, interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Revenue Up For Most Everyone
Nearly 80 percent of hotels in the Trends® sample enjoyed an increase in rooms occupied in 2010, but only 67 percent were able to leverage that into increases in total revenue. On average, the hotels in the Trends® sample achieved a 6.2 percent increase in occupancy, but were unable to raise their room rates. In the aggregate, ADR for the overall sample declined 0.9 percent.

Based on the preceding changes in occupancy and ADR, the Trends® sample averaged a 5.3 percent rise in rooms revenue in 2010. Among the other sources of revenue, food and beverage sales increased 5.6 percent and other operated department revenue rose 2.2 percent, but rentals and other income declined 10.0 percent. The net result was a 4.8 percent increase in total hotel revenue for the overall Trends® sample.

Expense Growth Suppressed
Given the fact that the gains in revenue were driven by growth in the number of rooms occupied, it is not surprising that the costs and expenses to operate a hotel also grew. Total operating expenses increased 3.4 percent in 2010.

"While this growth in expenses was more than double the rise in the consumer price index for the year, it is slightly less than expected given the historical expenditure patterns we observed during the initial stages of past lodging industry recoveries," said John B. (Jack) Corgel Ph.D., the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and senior advisor to PKF-HR. "Part of the reason for the more modest growth in operating expenses is the continued high rate of unemployment and the resulting lack of pressure on wage rates. Labor costs for U.S. hotels increased a modest 2.7 percent from 2009 to 2010."

In contrast, the amount spent to purchase all other goods and services needed to operate a hotel (excluding management fees, property taxes, and insurance) climbed 5.3 percent in 2010. The largest increases among these expenditures occurred in the rooms (6.2 percent) and food and beverage (9.3 percent) departments. These higher operated department costs are to be expected, given that revenue growth was driven by increased business volume as opposed to a rise in prices.

Facing dramatic declines in revenue in 2009, hotel managers were effective in cutting all department expenses except fixed charges (property taxes and insurance). "As we predicted in the 2010 Trends® report, the profit declines in 2009 led to decreases in property values in 2010. Accordingly, fixed charges fell 3.8 percent in 2010, the only expense category to be reduced during the year," Woodworth said.

Profit Growth Varied
On average, unit-level NOI for the Trends® sample rose 9.8 percent in 2010, with the ability to grow profits varying by property type. The greatest gains in NOI were achieved by full-service (+14.4%), resort (+10.4%), and convention hotels (+8.7%). Limited-service (+0.5%) and suite hotels with food and beverage (+1.8%) lagged in their ability to generate more dollars on the bottom line. This diversity of performance follows the previously described observation relating profit growth to price positioning.

2011 Outlook
Based on the March 2011 edition of Hotel Horizons®, PKF-HR is forecasting that the average hotel in the U.S. will be able to increase their total revenue by 6.8 percent for the entire year. The revenue growth will come from a relatively equal contribution of increases in occupancy and ADR.

Accordingly, hotel operators will need to continue their diligent efforts to control costs. "Assisting management in curbing costs in 2011 will be the continued lack of upward pressure on wages resulting from lingering high levels of unemployment," said Corgel. "However, commodity price escalation has already contributed to a rise in utility costs, delivery surcharges, and the cost of goods sold. Cost controls might be what dictates hotel profitability in 2011."

For further information please contact:

Mark Woodworth, President
PKF Hospitality Research
Tel: 404 842 1150, ext 222
Email: mark.woodworth@pkfc.com
www.pkfc.com

Chris Daly
Daly Gray Public Relations
Tel: 703 435 6293
Email: chris@dalygray.com
www.dalygray.com

Check Out the Newest Edition of VBTV's "Access Virginia Beach"!

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:56:16 GMT

VBTV - "Access Virginia Beach"

VBTV's "Access Virginia Beach" is a bi-weekly news and events program, highlighting city and school activities and information. Each edition of "Access Virginia Beach" airs for two weeks but if you can't catch it on TV, you can view it online. This episode premiered on Friday, May 13, 6pm.

The following stories are featured on this edition:

Virginia Beach City Council Adopts Budget for Fiscal Year 2012

Virginia Beach City Council Member Rita Sweet Bellitto Resigns
Virginia Beach City Public Schools Announce 2012 Teacher of the Year
City Hosts Affordable Housing Luncheon to Learn About Affordable Housing Options
Large Animal Rescue Training Held at VB Mounted Patrol
VB Fraternal Order of Police Holds Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Outdoors Plan and Open Space Committee: Protecting Important Pieces of Property
Adam Thoroughgood House Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & May Day Celebrations
Virginia Beach Celebrates Arbor Day at Newtown Elementary
Public Works Holds Water Awareness Calendar Awards Ceremony
Students from the Adult Learning Center GED Program Receive their Diplomas

Virginia Aquarium Offers Dolphin Watching Cruises
Aquarium Invites Visitors to Attend their Sensible Seafood Festival (5/26/11)
Convention & Visitors Bureau Hosts National Tourism Week Hospitality Awards
"The House that Students Built": Learn about Education Foundation House Project
Bay Mining Company Visits Renaissance Academy, Education Foundation Grant Project

Hosted by Veronica Coleman
Reporting by Priscilla Monti and Stephanie Sutton

VBTV: COX Channel 48, / Verizon Channel 45

Friday: (premier) 6 pm & 8:30 pm

Saturday: 5:00 am, 7:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 9:00 pm & 11:30 pm

Monday: 12:00 am, 2:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm & 9:00 pm

Tuesday: 5:00 am & 7:30 am

Wednesday: 12:00 am, 2:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 6:00 pm & 8:30 pm

Thursday: 5:00 am, 7:30 am & 6:00 pm

VBTV: COX Channel 47 / Verizon Channel 47

Friday: 2:30 am & 7:30 am

Saturday: 6:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 pm & 11:30 pm

Monday: 7:30 am & 6:00 pm

Tuesday: 2:30 am & 1:30 pm

Wednesday: 7:30 am & 11:30 pm

Thursday: 2:30 am & 1:30 pm

This edition of "Access Virginia Beach" and three others are available online at www.vbgov.com/estream. Click on the most current show under "Access Virginia Beach Archives." Once the show comes up, you can jump right to the story of your choice by clicking "View Specific Segments for this video." Shows will be online for the 4 weeks following their start date.

Virginia Beach: View the Opportunities!

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:51:36 GMT

Watch New Opportunity Video!

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau has a new opportunity video. Check it out!

Top Chefs

Wed, 04 May 2011 09:56:24 GMT

excerpt from: Top Chefs
Convention center chefs bring organic food to the meetings market.

As planners become more enlightened about the benefits this kind of cuisine provides, many venues are seeing a steady increase in interest and demand when it comes time to plan event menus, and the Virginia Beach Convention Center is no exception. There are so many great reasons for planners to make a point to choose sustainable food and beverage, even if it costs a little more, says Paul Benson, executive chef for Distinctive Gourmet at the VBCC.

"One, I believe it's healthier for them, plus they're also helping the environment and are supporting local agriculture that supports our local economy and the local purveyors," says Benson. "It's important to treat ingredients and products properly so they are available for the future. The demand of sustainable ingredients has grown, and many companies are often willing to pay the extra expense. I believe this will continue to be a trend."

Spotlight: Robbie Delaney, Virginia Aquarium

Lisa Plummer
lplummer@collinsonmedia.com

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Merchants Embrace Mobile Marketing In A Big Way

Va. Beach, N.C. Tourism: We're Open For Business

Brazilian Tour Group Sets Sights on Beach

Even with Irene, Many Beaches Open for Labor Day Fun

Virginia Beach Welcomes Back the Shriners

How Hurricane Irene Preparations Paid Off

Virginia Beach is Alive and Kicking After Hurricane Irene

National Tourism Awards Winner Is Breakfast Champion - VP

AAA: Fewer Americans to travel this Labor Day weekend

Five Beaches to Spend Labor Day Weekend

REGISTER EARLY! VA-1 Tourism Summit

New Study Proves Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation

New Study Proves Tourism Promotion Campaigns Increase Visitation

Early Tourism Figures Suggest A Recovery - Inside Business

Police monument unveiling set for May in Virginia Beach - The Virginian Pilot

Road Closure Notice - 49th Annual East Coast Surf Championships

City Raises American Flags to Commemorate Afghanistan Tragedy and Military Sacrifices

Virginia Beach. . .Locavore Destination - Flavor Magazine

First Person Al Hutchinson
Posted: November 25, 2011