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RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that 197 local tourism programs will receive public-private marketing funds through the year 2026.
The grant programs are meant to increase visitation and traveler spending by pairing state funds with local tourism.
The rewards are funded through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Marketing Leverage Program, Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program and VA250 Tourism Marketing Program.
“Virginia’s tourism industry is a powerful engine of economic opportunity, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and showcasing the best of every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in a release.
Here’s a list of local tourism businesses receiving the grant and what for:
- Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services ($20,000) DMO Marketing Program: Harrisonburg Happy
- Visit Staunton, VA ($10,000) DMO Marketing Program: Staunton – Step Off the Bus, Step Into a Story
- Visit Staunton, VA ($9,100) Marketing Leverage Program: Make It Magic – Storybook Staunton
- Augusta County Historic Society ($850) VA250 Marketing Program: Augusta County History Trail
- Russell Museum ($8,000) Marketing Leverage Program: Get Me on the map!
- Page Valley ($10,000) DMO Marketing Strategy: Unlock the Wonders of Page Valley: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide
- Shenandoah Valley Travel Association ($20,000) DMO Marketing Program: 100 Epic Experiences in the Shenandoah Valley
- Hillside ($4,000) Marketing Leverage Program: Exploring Shenandoah Valley
- Joe Henry General Store ($2,000) Marketing Leverage Program: Crossroads to Adventure – A Multi-Altitude Shenandoah Valley Experience
- Shenandoah County ($10,000) DMO Marketing Program: Treasure Trekking
- Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce ($5,460) Marketing Leverage Program: VA ss for Shopping and Bargain Lovers: The Rt. 11 Experience
- Shenandoah Valley Music Festival ($11,900) Marketing Leverage Program: Let the Music Lead You: Discover Orkney Springs, Basye and More
- Wolf Gap Vineyard ($5,400) Marketing Leverage Program: The Ultimate Getaway Destination
- Museum of the Shenandoah Valley ($11,880) Marketing Leverage Program: Shenandoah Prehistoric Adventure
- Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre ($6,000) Marketing Leverage Program: 2025 Summer Season
- Visit Waynesboro ($20,000) DMO Marketing Program: A Getaway Worth Staying For
“These targeted grants are strategic, results-driven investments that foster public-private partnerships to boost local economies and strengthen Virginia’s position as a premier travel destination,” said Youngkin.
Tourism marketing will ultimately benefit 1,130 small businesses and nonprofits statewide.
VTC will open additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds throughout 2025 and 2026. Organizations and businesses interested in applying for these grant opportunities may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.