Virginia Tourism Authority FY 2023 Operating Plan
Summary
The Operating Plan of the Virginia Tourism Authority, doing business as the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. It states that the plan was prepared in accordance with the 2022 Appropriation Act, which requires a report of the operating plan before July of each fiscal year. It sets out the mission, vision and values statements, the organizational structure and the strategic plan goals. The Operating Financial Plan Summary lists total fund sources of $35,467,495, including $27,471,472 of COV General Fund Revenue, and total expenditures of $35,467,495.
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“Virginia Tourism Authority FY 2023 Operating Plan.”
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VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
d/b/a Virginia Tourism Corporation
OPERATING PLAN
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
FY 2023 OPERATING PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................1
II. MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES ......................................................................................................2
III. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................3
IV. STRATEGIC PLAN AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES ...............................................................4
V. FY 2023 OPERATING FINANCIAL PLAN SUMMARY...................................................................5
VI. EXECUTIVE, OPERATIONS, AND FINANCE ..................................................................................8
VII. MARKETING ..........................................................................................................................................9
VIII. VISITOR SERVICES ............................................................................................................................ 11
IX. FILM ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
X. PARTNERSHIP MARKETING........................................................................................................... 13
XI. PARTNERSHIP MARKETING GRANTS ......................................................................................... 14
XII. PASS-THROUGH PAYMENTS .......................................................................................................... 15
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–1–
I. INTRODUCTION
The Virginia Tourism Authority d/b/a the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) was established
by the General Assembly in 1999 (§ 2.2-2315 et seq., Code of Virginia) as “…a public body
corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth.” The Authority was given broad
powers to “…stimulate the tourism segment of the economy by promoting, advertising, and
marketing the Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and by coordinating other private and
public efforts to do the same…” The General Assembly also recognized that the “…film industry
is a legitimate and important part of economic development in the Commonwealth.”
The VTC has a Board of Directors composed of 17 members, including the Lieutenant Governor,
the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Natural
Resources, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, and 12 members appointed by the
Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Governor designates the
Chairman of the Board and the Board may elect one member as Vice-Chairman. The
President/CEO of VTC is appointed by the Governor and also serves as the Board’s ex-officio
secretary.
The VTC is headquartered in Richmond. In addition, the VTC operates 12 state welcome centers
located strategically around the state to provide information to people traveling in Virginia.
OPERATING PLAN
This operating plan has been prepared in accordance with Chapter 2 the 2022 Appropriation Act,
which states in part the following:
Prior to July 1 of each fiscal year, the Virginia Tourism Authority shall provide to
the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations
Committees and the Director, Department of Planning and Budget a report of its
operating plan.
This document provides summary information regarding VTC’s priorities, how it will accomplish
its objectives, and the resources committed to those efforts.
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–2–
II. MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
VTC serves the broader interests of the Virginia economy by supporting, maintaining, and
expanding the Commonwealth’s domestic and international travel markets and motion picture
industry, thereby generating increased spending, employment, and tax revenues. VTC develops
and implements programs beneficial to Virginia travel-related and motion picture-related
businesses and consumers.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Virginia Tourism Authority promotes and develops the tourism and motion picture industries
to stimulate Virginia’s economy and enhance the quality of life of all Virginians.
VISION STATEMENT:
Leading the nation in tourism and motion picture production.
VALUES STATEMENT:
Integrity and Ethics:
• Always act ethically and with integrity
• Assume positive intent
• Be transparent and responsible
• People are respected, valued, and appreciated
Accountability:
• Be good stewards of taxpayer money
• Take personal responsibility
• Seek solutions and achieve results
• Commit to agency goals
• Live our values through our work and in our culture
Humility:
• Never underestimate the competition
• Be open to new ideas and trends
• Be open to change and continuous improvement
Passion:
• Be passionate about business, brand, and the Commonwealth
• Value, promote, and fiercely protect our reputation
• Be proud
• Exceed expectations
• Promote creativity
Results:
• Solutions-oriented operations and organization
• Measure success
• Continuously evaluate, adapt, and improve
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–3–
III. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
VTC’s activities are divided into five programmatic areas. The responsibilities for management
of these areas are vested with the President/CEO and four Vice-Presidents.
1) Executive & Board of Directors
2) Operations & Finance
3) Marketing
4) Film
5) Partnership Marketing
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–4–
IV. STRATEGIC PLAN AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES
VTC’s strategic plan identifies the means by which VTC will achieve its stated mission and goals.
The strategic plan also identifies the objectives and strategies associated with the goals. The strategic
plan may be found on VTC’s website (www.vatc.org) or on the Department of Planning and
Budget’s website (www.dpb.virginia.gov). The goals included in the strategic plan are as
follows:
1. Inspire travel to Virginia by strengthening awareness of the Virginia brand and product.
• Increase and strengthen the awareness of Virginia as a travel destination.
• Make the visitor or potential visitor aware of the many opportunities that the
Commonwealth offers in the way of destinations, family fun, history, and business travel.
2. Increase the economic impact of the tourism and motion picture industries in Virginia.
• Attract visitors and motion picture production to the Commonwealth, resulting in greater
economic impact generated by the tourism and motion picture industries.
3. Increase the number of jobs supported by the tourism and motion picture industries in Virginia.
• Attract visitors and motion picture production to the Commonwealth, resulting in more
jobs supported by the tourism and motion picture production industries.
4. Increase the tax revenues generated by the tourism and motion picture industries in Virginia.
• Attract visitors and motion picture production to the Commonwealth, resulting in greater
tax revenues generated by the tourism and motion picture industries.
5. Provide resources to communities to maximize their tourism potential.
• Support the enhancement, expansion, and development of new and existing tourism
products, events, and services.
• Strengthen and increase partnerships each year that benefit the tourism industry.
• Access new funding and leverage advertising, marketing, and public relations resources
by partnering with tourism organizations, other nonprofit entities, private industry, and
government.
6. Strengthen awareness of the value of tourism as an economic engine for Virginia.
• Foster strong working relationships with elected officials and key opinion leaders to gain
support and growth for Virginia’s tourism industry.
VTC also has the following quantifiable performance measures to assess the effectiveness of its
programs in achieving its goals and objectives:
1. Number of digital referrals to industry partners
2. Number of annual website user sessions
3. Amount leveraged for every grant dollar invested
4. Dollar amount of economic impact generated by the motion picture industry
5. Cost per one thousand media impressions
6. Number of Welcome Center visitors
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–5–
V. FY 2023 OPERATING FINANCIAL PLAN SUMMARY
Operating Financial Plan Summary
For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $27,471,472
VDOT Transfers 1,325,000
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue 735,000
Interest on Deposits 25,000
Other Revenues 324,500
Carryover Funds 5,586,523
Total Fund Sources $35,467,495
Expenditures
Executive, Operations, and Finance $1,603,137 7
Marketing 12,092,841 26
Visitor Services 4,115,594 33
Film 1,460,257 4
Partnership Marketing 2,103,927 12
Partnership Marketing Grants 9,060,139 3
Pass-Through Payments 4,600,000
Total Expenditures $35,467,495 85
Note: VTC employs 43 part-time workers not reflected in the above employment levels.
FY 2022 General Fund Budget Summary
Amount
Base Budget $23,914,872
Increase funding for City of Norfolk to support Sail250 Virginia $1,000,000
Introduced Budget Bill (2022 Session & 2022 Special Session I) $24,914,872
Increase funding for Virginia Sports Hall of Fame $125,000
Increase funding for City of Norfolk to support Sail250 Virginia $2,000,000
Chapter 2 (2022 Appropriation Act) $27,039,872
FY 2023 Central Appropriations distributions (estimated) $431,600
TOTAL FY 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET $27,471,472
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–6–
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–7–
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–8–
VI. EXECUTIVE, OPERATIONS, AND FINANCE
This function provides oversight through the President/CEO and the Board of Directors. It also
includes administrative and support services such as Board of Directors support, budget development
and monitoring, financial reporting, accounting, procurement, and strategic planning coordination. In
addition, this function oversees the management of the “Virginia is for Lovers” trademarks.
EXECUTIVE, OPERATIONS, AND FINANCE
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $1,648,710
VDOT Transfers --
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue --
Interest on Deposits $25,000
Other Revenues $18,000
Carryover Funds --
Total Fund Sources $1,691,710
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $994,191 7
Wages and Taxes --
Advertising and Promotion --
Missions, Shows, and Events 18,775
Digital Marketing --
Travel 103,540
Services 256,650
Supplies and Materials 23,500
Grants and Pass-Through Payments --
Fixed Asset Payments 47,000
Other Expenditures 248,054
Total Expenditures $1,691,710 7
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
–9–
VII. MARKETING
VTC’s marketing activities include a number of programs aimed at promoting Virginia as a premier
travel destination, including brand management, creative services, digital marketing, communications,
global marketing, domestic sales, merchandising, and research. Each program has targeted purposes
and objectives.
Brand Management: The advertising program develops and promotes the Virginia brand through social
media, broadcast, and digital media. The media plan targets frequent travelers within markets that
provide the highest potential number of visitors to Virginia. The media plan includes buy-downs and
cooperative support for Virginia’s tourism industry.
Creative Services: The creative services program provides in-house graphics development and
production services for VTC. VTC’s library of photography, film, videography, and digital graphics
files is managed by creative services.
Digital Marketing: The digital marketing program manages VTC’s three primary websites:
virginia.org, blog.virginia.org, and vatc.org. Virginia.org and blog.virginia.org are trip planning and
travel inspiration websites for consumers, while vatc.org is a business-to-business website for
Virginia’s tourism industry. Digital marketing manages VTC’s internet communications technologies
and develops web-based business initiatives and partnerships. Digital marketing also regularly educates
the industry on the use of online technologies, marketing strategies, and the benefits of full participation
in VTC’s consumer website.
Communications: The communications program is responsible for generating editorial coverage in
targeted national, regional, and in-state publications for promotion of Virginia as a premier travel
destination. Communications also provides VTC with visibility in niche publications to promote
special and unique attractions in Virginia. The program also is responsible for developing talking
points for press conferences and interviews with the Governor and First Lady. In addition, it
disseminates tourism-related news to the Virginia tourism industry and works with the industry on
generating media coverage. Communications also manages VTC’s robust social media program.
Global Marketing: The global marketing program develops and implements integrated and innovative
direct sales, marketing, promotions, and public relations strategies in order to bring more foreign
visitors and vendors to Virginia. The geographic targets are coordinated with air service to gateway
airports and are supported by research.
Domestic Sales: VTC markets the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination to tour operators,
select travel agents, meeting planners, and sports events rights holders. VTC represents the
Commonwealth and provides the Virginia tourism industry with partnership opportunities to collaborate
at professional trade shows, sales missions, site inspection tours, and marketing initiatives strategically
targeting national, regional, and in-state domestic trade markets.
Merchandising: This program oversees the production of official “Virginia is for Lovers” merchandise.
It works with Virginia’s tourism industry to encourage participation in the sale of the merchandise,
which generates royalties that support VTC’s programs as well as strengthening brand recognition.
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 10 –
MARKETING (CONT’D)
Research: The research program utilizes a wide range of tourism industry data, metrics, and insights
in order to quantify Virginia’s tourism industry. The goals of VTC’s research program are to measure
tourism industry performance, conduct consumer studies, and perform competitive industry analysis.
The research program works with internal and external partners in collecting primary survey data,
developing domestic and international visitor profiles, calculating domestic and international market
shares, guiding digital media analytics, and determining the state and local economic impact of
tourism. The program also provides detailed and timely information for VTC to measure the benefit-
cost ratio of its integrated marketing, digital media, and incentive programs.
MARKETING
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $11,880,606
VDOT Transfers --
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue --
Interest on Deposits --
Other Revenues 170,000
Carryover Funds 163,383
Total Fund Sources $12,213,989
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $2,968,669 26
Wages and Taxes --
Advertising and Promotion 5,215,304
Missions, Shows, and Events 109,650
Digital Marketing 1,142,065
Travel 231,170
Services 1,009,266
Supplies and Materials 100,961
Grants and Pass-Through Payments 1,040,939
Fixed Assets Payments 162,615
Other Expenditures 233,350
Total Expenditures $12,213,989 26
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 11 –
VIII. VISITOR SERVICES
This program develops overall strategies for sound customer and visitor relations and information
distribution systems. It manages activities aimed at providing superior customer service, evaluating and
improving customer fulfillment functions, and increasing community outreach. VTC works
cooperatively with the Virginia Department of Transportation in the operations of the state’s 12
Welcome Centers to promote and encourage traveler visitation to and within Virginia.
VISITOR SERVICES
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $2,036,683
VDOT Transfers 1,355,000
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue 735,000
Interest on Deposits --
Other Revenues 106,500
Carryover Funds --
Total Fund Sources $4,233,183
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $2,614,021 33
Wages and Taxes 471,087
Advertising and Promotion --
Missions, Shows, and Events --
Digital Marketing --
Travel 65,736
Services 719,302
Supplies and Materials 198,687
Grants and Pass-Through Payments 125,000
Fixed Asset Payments 18,700
Other Expenditures 20,650
Total Expenditures $4,233,183 33
Note: Visitor Services also includes 41 part-time travel counselors at the state’s 12 Welcome Centers.
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 12 –
IX. Film
The Virginia Film Office is committed to attracting film and video production to Virginia and
supporting the indigenous production industry, with the ultimate goal of bringing economic and
employment benefits to the Commonwealth. Film, video, and multi-media production is a growth
industry worldwide, and the potential economic benefits to the state have increased significantly. The
Virginia Film Office pursues its goals through the creation and implementation of innovative marketing
and development programs, and by delivering exceptional customer service to inspire repeat business.
FILM
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $1,194,914
VDOT Transfers --
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue --
Interest on Deposits --
Other Revenues --
Carryover Funds 285,343
Total Fund Sources $1,480,257
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $585,870 4
Wages and Taxes 19,725
Advertising and Promotion 199,000
Missions, Shows, and Events 11,000
Digital Marketing --
Travel 27,500
Services 90,500
Supplies and Materials 29,000
Grants and Pass-Through Payments 485,343
Fixed Assets Payments 19,319
Other Expenditures 13,000
Total Expenditures $1,480,257 4
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 13 –
X. PARTNERSHIP MARKETING
Partnership Marketing maximizes the tourism potential of Virginia’s communities through tourism
planning, development, and marketing. Together, these efforts help build vibrant communities for
travelers as well as residents. Partnership Marketing maintains the ongoing State Tourism and
Development Plan.
Planning and Partnerships: Planning and Partnerships provides communities and tourism
entrepreneurs with tourism planning expertise and support. It assists with community planning,
building partnerships, product planning, and identifying funding resources to help grow the
Commonwealth’s tourism industry. It also works closely with Virginia’s localities and attractions to
identify other grant opportunities and options for stretching limited resources to develop and market the
Commonwealth’s tourism product.
Business Development: Business Development is responsible for administering the Tourism
Development Financing Program (TDFP) and the Adventure Tourism Manufacturing (ATM) program.
The TDFP provides gap financing to compensate for a shortfall in project funding in partnership with
developers, localities, and financial institutions, while the ATM program works with the Virginia
Economic Development Partnership to recruit manufacturers of outdoor adventure products.
PARTNERSHIP MARKETING
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $2,172,933
VDOT Transfers --
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue --
Interest on Deposits --
Other Revenues --
Carryover Funds --
Total Fund Sources $2,172,933
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $1,533,467 12
Wages and Taxes --
Advertising and Promotion 183,500
Missions, Shows, and Events 62,000
Digital Marketing --
Travel 84,399
Services 162,400
Supplies and Materials 37,650
Grants and Pass-Through Payments --
Fixed Assets Payments 13,500
Other Expenditures 96,017
Total Expenditures $2,172,933 12
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 14 –
XI. PARTNERSHIP MARKETING GRANTS
Partnership Marketing administers VTC’s competitive grant programs. These grants range from strategic
community development grants with the Drive Tourism Initiative to Cooperative Marketing Grants with
the private sector to help businesses and communities thrive.
The Marketing Leverage Program partners with localities and the private sector to stimulate new tourism
marketing initiatives and to extend the “Virginia is for Lovers” marketing efforts. The DMO Marketing
Program awards matching grants to official Virginia Destination Marketing organizations to attract new
travelers. The Special Events and Festivals Program provides matching funds for marketing and
operations expenses that help bring tourists to communities throughout Virginia.
PARTNERSHIP MARKETING GRANTS
Operating Financial Plan
Funds Employment
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $3,937,626
VDOT Transfers --
Welcome Center/Safety Rest Area Revenue --
Interest on Deposits --
Other Revenues --
Carryover Funds $5,137,797
Total Fund Sources $9,075,423
Expenditures
Salaries, Benefits, and Taxes $339,659 3
Wages and Taxes --
Advertising and Promotion --
Missions, Shows, and Events --
Digital Marketing --
Travel --
Services 250,000
Supplies and Materials --
Grants and Pass-Through Payments 8,485,764
Fixed Assets Payments --
Other Expenditures --
Total Expenditures $9,075,423 3
VIRGINIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Operating Plan
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
– 15 –
XII. PASS-THROUGH PAYMENTS
The following is a list of pass-through funding included in the appropriation for the Virginia Tourism
Authority.
Funds
Fund Sources
COV General Fund Revenue $4,600,000
Total Fund Sources $4,600,000
Expenditures
City of Norfolk (Sail250 Virginia) $3,000,000
Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (Spearhead Trails) 1,100,000
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority 300,000
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame 125,000
Special Olympics Virginia 50,000
Carver-Price Legacy Museum 25,000
Total Expenditures $4,600,000
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