As a result of RMCVB-hosted press events, several publications recently featured the Richmond Region. GO! Magazine, AirTran Airways' in-flight publication, has found the Richmond Region Easy to Love, as evidenced by two recent articles. December's issue highlighted the Region's spa scene, and the January issue features "10 Fun Things
to do in Richmond Virginia."
In the recent article "Style and Sustenance Along Cary Street in Richmond," Ben Chapman of the Washington Post found Carytown to be "unapologetically bohemian," recommending visitors set their "pedometer to the Mile of Style and beyond."
Not long after, the Richmond Region showed up in the Washington Post again as one of "20 Great Escapes" in the Mid-Atlantic Region. A visit to the newly renovated Virginia State Capitol made the top 10.
Many attractions in the Historic Richmond Region are embracing todays technology by incorporating modern multimedia features into historic sites and exhibits. One tool that effectively merges today's technology with history's stories is the podcast tour, an easily accessible audio guide that allows visitors to explore sites and exhibits on their own terms. Podcasts, multimedia files published to the internet that can be downloaded to personal MP3 players, offer an easy way for users to collect and access information. Capitalizing on this technology is Civilwartraveler.com, the ultimate online resource for Civil War travel. In partnership with The Museum of the Confederacy and Richmond National Battlefield Park, the Web site has launched a selection of podcast tours that guide visitors step-by-step through historical exhibits and sites. Averaging 30 minutes in length, the podcast tours simulate the effect of having a personal, expert tour guide.
At the Museum of the Confederacy, a podcast tour of the signature exhibit, The Confederate Years, offers new perspectives allowing visitors to delve deeper into the story of the Civil War. The podcast discusses the historical significance of the artifacts on display, including Robert E. Lees camp gear and J.E.B. Stuarts famous plumed hat, in far greater detail than the traditional self-guided tour. Podcast tours of Virginia Civil War Trails guide visitors through historic sites maintained by Richmond National Battlefield Park. Listeners can follow the route traveled by the Confederate Army at Malvern Hill in Henrico County or exlpore Gaines Mill in Hanover County where Lee secured his first victory as commander during the Seven Days Battle. Podcasts allow users to customize their tours and move at a self designated pace. They can also be helpful for those who wish to better acquaint themselves with their destination prior to visiting. Podcast tours mark the beginning of a new trend among historical and cultural attractions in the Richmond Region, further enhancing the visitor experience and reinforcing the prevalence of historys stories in the 21st century.
Members of the tourism industry gathered recently at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for a complimentary breakfast and seminar by guest speaker, David Sheatsley, executive vice president, D.K. Shifflet & Associates. The seminar, "Forget the Past: New Trends in Travel and Tourism," offered attendees a fresh look at what's happening in their industry and an opportunity to discuss the future of travel. Mr. Sheatsley's presentation can be found here.
Richmond International Raceway recently unveiled its newest addition to the complex, creating more seating and better views of the track. The 180 foot grandstand, Commonwealth Tower is due to open May 4 and 5 for the track's NASCAR Busch Series Circuit City 250 and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 400. The grandstand also includes a Mezzanine and private club, Torque. All said, the project will add 7,800 new seats and remove 3,000 obstructed view seats in turns three and four. The 2007 racing season will open with a net capacity of 112,029.
The Richmond Region saw an 8.65 percent increase in traveler spending in 2005 as reported by a recently released economic impact study by the Travel Industry Association. The study, conducted for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, showed an increase of more than $100 million from the traveler-spending estimate for 2004. This means that in 2005, domestic travelers spent more than $1.5 billion on transportation, lodging, food, entertainment and recreation in the Richmond Region, which accounts for 9.6 percent of traveler spending for the Commonwealth. These figures make for a large impact in the Region by supporting more than 20,000 full-time and seasonal jobs.
Earlier this year RMCVB completed a survey of people who requested information about visiting the Richmond Region to determine how many of them converted into visitors, the value of RMCVB promotional materials and return on investment of advertising dollars. Preliminary findings indicate that of all inquirers, 32 percent converted into visitors, a percentage on par with other Southern destinations.
Receiving RMCVB materials doubled the rate of conversion and extended visitor stays, and television ads generated the highest conversion rate and revenue per inquiry. To see the article in River City News about the study, click here (pdf, 720k). Additional information and results from the study will be released this month. Check back soon for more.
What's Happening
Want to know more about our fall golf tournament? Looking for a fun and educational program for your entire staff? Check out our calendar for happenings from RMCVB.
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Travel Industry News
The travel and tourism industry is constantly being impacted by the economy, natural disasters and state and national legislation. RMCVB wants to keep you updated on the latest travel news and trends to help your business respond to local, national and world events. Here's the latest:
Internet Continues to Grow as Source for Travel Planning, Booking
A 2005 study released by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) titled Travelers Use of the Internet indicated that 78 percent of travelers used the Internet for travel or destination information in 2005thats up from 65 percent in 2004. Read more
TIA Forecast: Travel Growth to Ease in 2006
According to Travel Industry Association of Americas (TIA) annual travel forecast, spending by domestic and international travelers is forecast to increase by 7.8 percent to nearly $646 billion in 2006. However, that growth is expected to taper in 2006 with leisure travel increasing by 2 percent and business travel increasing by 1.6 percent. Read more
Get the latest travel-industry trends and research, update yourself on current tourism-related legislation, order copies of travel publications or get assistance finding a job or employee at these helpful travel trend web sites.
What They're Saying
The Richmond Region is a top-notch travel destination with incredible history and attractions. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what some members of the national media have to say.
"In Richmond, Virginia, Monument Avenue ranks among our favorite spots for spying the reds and golds of autumn. This gracious boulevard features a generous, grassy median lined with colorful maples and flanked by a wealth of architectural gems."
- "Monumental Fall Color," Southern Living, October 2005
"Indeed, here's a river with major whitewater flowing below skyscrapers and under the great bridges of an American city. This liquid national treasure is the James, charging right through the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia. It provided thrills for paddle-rafters and kayakers, as well as birding, fishing, hiking and rock-climbing."
- "Urban Whitewater," AAA World, July/August 2005
"Richmond's landmark architecture and monuments to the past many give the city plenty of Old South atmosphere, but it's not a stopped-in-time kind of place. With its lively riverfront district, booming restaurant and cultural scene and unique range of recreation offerings, this is a city that keeps visitors hoppin'."
- "Enjoy Springtime in Richmond," Woman's World, April 2005
"This liquid national treasure is the James, charging right through the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia."
"Urban Whitewater," AAA World, July/August 2005
"Mom-n-pop Carytown is full of idiosyncratic boutiques and cafes. Visit Lane Sanson for kitschy gnome-like creates and imported metalwork or Thomas-Hines for 18th- and 19th-century antiques."
- "Off the Beaten Track," Wall Street Journal, March 2005
"Richmond truly gives travelers something to rave about this time of year. With its walkable streets and a vibrant city scene, this suburban town plays to all your senses without overextending your wallet. Whether on a budget or a big expense account, visitors will get their fill of fun and exciting things to do."
- "Richmond 3 Days, 3 Ways," Southern Living, March 2004
"Have you ever played 'plan the perfect family outing'?...On a recent trip we discovered a real winner: Maymont, a 100-acre historic estate in Richmond, 100 miles south of Washington. We found something entertaining, even educational, for each member of my family, including two grandparents, two parents and three children ages 5, 6 and 10."
- "Saturday's Child: At Maymont, All Manor of Run," Washington Post, August 2004
"For a quick history lesson, the Virginia State Capitol is a good place to start. The majesty of the building.sets a proper stage.We had been told that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts would impress us. But even with the forewarning, we were still surprised by the paintings (Monet, Hopper, Degas, Cassatt.), the largest collection of Faberge outside Russia, an awesome assemblage of Indian and Asian artifacts and the majestic interior."
- "The More-then-Civil Pleasures of Richmond," Chicago Tribune, 2004
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