ESVA Chamber Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce received a $3,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (MMLP) for its “Explore the Shore” Campaign.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce partnered with other local businesses to supply matching funds for the project boosting advertisement for the Eastern Shore of Virginia during the off season supporting local businesses and events. This campaign has proven to be successful and has gained traction with a hashtag used daily by locals and guests alike.

Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded more than more than $581,607 in matching grant funds to 108 marketing programs, ultimately impacting 432 combined partners, and supporting more than 1,050 full-time and part-time jobs across the commonwealth. This funding cycle, local partners committed more than $700,168 in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding, providing more than $1.29 million in new marketing activity to help increase off-season visitation to Virginia’s small tourism-oriented businesses and events.

The Executive Director of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce, Robert Sabbatini stated, “The ESVA Chamber of Commerce is grateful to have received this grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. This grant will enable us to continue serving the businesses and communities on the Eastern Shore.”

Anne Clark, Director of Marketing & Events for the ESVA Chamber of Commerce, stated, “The ‘Explore the Shore’ Campaign has been instrumental in highlighting the unique attractions and events our region offers, even during the off-season. This grant allows us to expand our reach and continue driving tourism to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, benefiting both local businesses and the community at large.”

“The Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program is part of VTC’s strategy to grow year-round visitation in Virginia and is designed to support small tourism businesses with marketing dollars to drive out-of-state visitation during off-peak travel seasons,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This program serves as a gateway for small businesses to engage with VTC’s marketing and development ecosystem to grow their business and build on the Virginia is for Lovers branding.”

The VTC Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive off-season visitation. Using the hub and spoke tourism model to create multi-day itineraries, a minimum of five Virginia entities partner financially to apply for funding through the MMLP. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism-related businesses. The matching marketing dollars will be used to encourage visitors to come to Virginia and support tourism-oriented attractions and small businesses during the holiday, late winter, and spring break season.

VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2024. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.

A full list of funding recipients can be found here.

About the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and supporting the local business community, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore. Through a variety of events and initiatives, the Chamber aims to bring together businesses, residents, and visitors to celebrate and strengthen our vibrant community.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.

ESVA Chamber Media Contact

Anne Clark

Director of Marketing & Events

Phone: 757-787-2460

Email: marketing@esvachamber.org