Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The City of Salem has been awarded $25,000 in grant funding from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help attract visitors from nearby markets.
According to city officials, Salem has received nearly 20 tourism grants since 2020. The latest funding will be used to encourage visitors from regions within day-trip distance to travel to Salem for events, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining.
One grant totaling $10,000 is aimed at attracting visitors from the Richmond region and promoting downtown Salem as a home base for exploring the area. City officials anticipate increased tourism in the coming months because of NCAA championships, Salem-Roanoke County RidgeYaks baseball games, concerts, the Salem Fair and events connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
A second grant totaling $15,000 will target visitors from the Greensboro-Piedmont Triad region and the Washington, D.C., metro area. Officials said the funding will support efforts encouraging travelers to explore Salem’s outdoor attractions and stay overnight in the city.
“With the economy where it is right now and gas prices on the rise, we feel like this is the perfect time to attract folks from nearby areas who can make Salem part of a day trip excursion or an overnight trip that is close to their home,” said Carey Harveycutter, Salem tourism director. “We have been extremely fortunate to receive a number of these grants over the years, and we remain extremely appreciative.”
Statewide, the Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded more than $2.2 million in matching grant and sponsorship funding to 143 tourism programs across the commonwealth through its Marketing Leverage and Destination Marketing Organization marketing programs.
The programs combine local marketing investments with matching state funds to increase visitation, encourage overnight stays and boost traveler spending across Virginia. Local partners are expected to contribute more than $4.3 million in matching funds, creating more than $6.5 million in tourism marketing and event initiatives statewide.
“Effective tourism marketing is key to turning interest into visitation and visitation into economic impact,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “These programs give our partners the tools to tell more compelling stories about their destinations, connect with travelers in meaningful ways, and inspire deeper exploration across Virginia.”
The Virginia Tourism Corporation promotes Virginia as a travel destination through the “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign.
