What is a Convention and Visitors Bureau?

A convention and visitors bureau (CVB) is a not-for-profit "destination marketing" organization supported by transient room tax, government budget allocations, private membership or a combination of any or all three. The bureau in each city, county or region has three prime responsibilities:

• To encourage groups to hold meetings, conventions and tradeshows in the city or area it represents;
• To assist those groups with meeting preparations and on-site meeting support;
• To encourage travelers to visit and enjoy the historic, cultural and recreational opportunities the destination offers.

Convention and visitors bureaus are one of the key tourism marketing organizations in Virginia. Billions of direct and indirect revenue and taxes are funneled into the state and local economy because of the marketing expertise of Virginia's convention and visitors bureaus as well as other local and state-wide partner organizations.

Since the inception of the first convention and visitors bureau in Detroit in 1896, CVBs have been the key organizations for developing and projecting an image of a destination and marketing its resources and amenities. A CVB is not a chamber of commerce, although some CVBs are associated with chambers. Typically, it is an independent association governed by its own board of directors.

Why are CVBs valuable to visitors?

As unbiased resources, CVBs serve as official points of contact for visitors. CVBs can provide the full range of information about a destination, saving visitors time and energy. They encourage visitors to visit local attractions, hotels, shops and restaurants and charge nothing for their services.

Do CVBs plan meetings and conventions?

A CVB does not actually organize meetings and conventions. It does, however, help meeting planners learn about the destination and area attractions and make the best possible use of all the services and facilities the destination has to offer.

If CVBs don't charge for their services, how do they make money?

CVBs do not charge their clients - visitors, group tour operators and meeting planners - for services rendered. Instead, most CVBs are funded through a combination of hotel occupancy taxes and membership dues. RMCVB is not a membership organization and is primarily funded by a dedicated portion of the hotel occupancy tax paid by the Region's visitors.

Why are meetings and tourism important?

Meetings and tourism enhance the quality of life for local communities by providing jobs and bringing in tax dollars for improvement of services and infrastructure. Successful visitor destinations attract facilities like restaurants, shops, festivals and cultural and sporting venues that cater to both visitors and locals.

* Adapted from Destination Marketing Association International