Visit Virginia Beach
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| Visit Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|
| Name | Visit Virginia Beach |
| Type | Nonprofit agency |
| Location | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| Established | 20th century |
Visit Virginia Beach is the official destination marketing organization promoting Virginia Beach, Virginia as a leisure and business travel destination. The organization coordinates promotions with regional partners such as Virginia Tourism Corporation, Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau, and local stakeholders including Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Oceanfront (Virginia Beach), and the Virginia Beach City Council. Its activities intersect with entities like Hampton Roads, City of Norfolk, Virginia, and institutions such as Old Dominion University, Naval Station Norfolk, and Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
Overview
Visit Virginia Beach serves as the primary marketing and visitor services agency for Virginia Beach, Virginia, working alongside organizations including Virginia Tourism Corporation, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Maritime Heritage Trail, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, and Municipal Wetlands Board. The agency collaborates with cultural institutions like Chrysler Museum of Art, Cape Henry Lighthouse, First Landing State Park, Sandbridge Beach, and event producers of NASCAR Cup Series-linked activities and NCAA-level tournaments. Partners include hospitality groups such as The Cavalier Hotel, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Hyatt Regency, and regional attractions like Mount Trashmore Park and Town Center of Virginia Beach.
History
The organization's development paralleled regional growth tied to military and transportation hubs such as Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and infrastructure projects like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel. Early promotion connected to resort-era institutions such as Hotel Virginia Beach (The Cavalier) and events referencing coastal heritage sites like Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing Monument. Over time, Visit Virginia Beach engaged with statewide programs including Virginia Main Street Program, Virginia Tourism Corporation initiatives, and federal partnerships with National Park Service for preservation at Cape Henry Memorial. The agency adapted marketing strategies reflecting trends exemplified by organizations like Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) providers and hospitality brands including Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc..
Attractions and Landmarks
Major attractions promoted include the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Mount Trashmore Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sandbridge Beach, and cultural venues such as Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Virginia). The agency highlights proximity to military and maritime heritage sites like Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Monroe National Monument, and regional history exemplified by Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg. Partnerships extend to sports venues including Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre and training facilities used by organizations like USA Swimming and collegiate teams from Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech.
Beaches and Outdoor Recreation
Promotion emphasizes the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, surf and sand at Sandbridge Beach, birding at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking on the Lynnhaven River, and trails in First Landing State Park. Outdoor programming ties to conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society of Virginia, and federal entities such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Water sports connect to providers and events associated with USA Triathlon, World Surf League-style competitions, and regional marinas servicing vessels from Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean access routes, including the Thimble Shoals Channel.
Events and Festivals
Visit Virginia Beach markets annual events and festivals including concerts at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre, the American Music Festival, sporting events affiliated with NCAA, surf competitions akin to East Coast Surfing Championships-style gatherings, and seasonal celebrations like Neptune Festival-type activities. It coordinates with producers of music programming such as Live Nation Entertainment, regional arts organizations including Virginia Arts Festival, and culinary events that mirror concepts from James Beard Foundation-recognized festivals. The agency supports conferences and trade events that attract organizations like Society for Human Resource Management and associations hosting conventions in venues across Town Center and the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Tourism Infrastructure and Accommodation
The organization promotes lodging partners ranging from independent historic properties like The Cavalier Hotel to major chains such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Best Western, and boutique operators in Sandbridge and the Oceanfront (Virginia Beach). Collaborations include meeting planners for the Virginia Beach Convention Center, hospitality education programs at Tidewater Community College, and workforce initiatives linked to Hampton Roads Workforce Council. The agency liaises with hotel associations, restaurant groups tied to Virginia Restaurant Lodging & Travel Association, and safety partners including Virginia Beach Police Department and Virginia Beach Fire Department.
Transportation and Access
Visit Virginia Beach coordinates messaging about access via regional transportation hubs including Norfolk International Airport, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Interstate 64, Interstate 264, and maritime connections via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel and local marinas. The organization engages with railroad and ferry services through entities like Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express, and local transit operations under Hampton Roads Transit. Partnerships extend to airports such as Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and regional planning agencies including Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization.