Welcome to the premiere issue of Mountain Views, the new e-newsletter of the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (RVCVB). Through this newsletter we hope to provide you with interesting information about tourism in the Roanoke Valley and the programs of the CVB. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to business associates and direct any feedback regarding this newsletter to info@visitroanokeva.com

Roanoke Valley Hosts 80th Annual Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) Conference

Opening night at Braeloch near the Blue Ridge Parkway

Conference registrants totaled 500, including journalists, associate members and sponsors. Approximately three dozen participants took part in organized tours. The majority went on OWAA-sponsored, pre- and post-conference tours. At least one journalist -- award-winning broadcaster Chris Lawrence with West Virginia Metro News Radio Network – will be returning to Virginia to get other stories in the very near future. He notes, “OWAA tends to present my best story opportunities of the year since I don't get too many chances to get out to these kinds of places.”

Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, says, “This is the kind of long-term benefit that caused us to pitch OWAA three years ago with the Roanoke Valley CVB. We’ll see results
from the relationships built at the conference for years
to come.”

The RVCVB wishes to thank the local committee for
their hard work and dedication for a successful conference.
Special thanks to our local co-chairs – Mark Taylor and Bill
Cochran along with Bill’s wife, Katherine, who headed the
spouse activities. Roanoke County Parks Recreation &
Tourism also deserves special recognition for much of
the ground work at our outdoor venues! Overall it was a
great team effort!

Neil Ordway

General Manager – Holiday Inn Roanoke– Valley View

I am excited that together we will continue our 22 year tradition of promoting tourism and improving our community. I want to thank Roger Ellmore for his service to the Bureau as President for the past year, so many other contributions during his tenure with the RVCVB as an active member, and for his willingness to share his wisdom with us. I consider it a privilege to be working with a Board comprised of phenomenal individuals dedicated to serving our membership and our community.

This year promises to be very successful. Conventions such as the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia Society of Technology combine with sporting events like the Coventry Commonwealth Games, AAU 14U Girls Basketball National Championship and the many NCAA Division III National Championships hosted by Salem to provide a solid base for tourism to our region. The opening of the Botetourt Sports Complex, the new Art Museum in 2008, and a number new hotels and restaurants, all speak well for our industry’s future.

Along with the successes we will have our share of challenges. With the increased competition of tourism we will work diligently to remain competitive in our marketing efforts and programming. Another potential challenge is at the gas pump. Rising gasoline prices may alter established travel patterns. Rest assured we are monitoring this economic challenge closely and we will take the necessary marketing steps to overcome the effects of this trend, if it occurs.

Ultimately, our opportunities far outweigh our challenges. The Valley offers an abundance of great amenities and superb hospitality. With all the talented members in the Bureau, the Valley we will continue to be a success.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as your President. I know that our journey for the next year will be an exciting one. We will continue to be a strong thriving partner to the community. I look forward to hearing your ideas and welcome your feedback towards our goals of continuing the growth of tourism in the Roanoke Valley.

Lodging Tax Revenues

January, February, March 2006 and 2007

Source: Local Governments

Recipients Recognized

Peter Kipp received the Presidents’ Tourism Excellence Award recognizing his long time commitment to the promotion of tourism in the Roanoke Valley.

The Golden Star Award was presented to the organizations responsible for the community hosting the BG US Challenge and included; Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Counties of Roanoke, Franklin and Botetourt, Town of Vinton, Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Delta Dental of Virginia, Nextel, Roanoke College, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, Western Virginia Water Authority and Virginia’s Explore Park.

The Tourism Ambassador Award was given to Mark Taylor, Outdoor Editor of The Roanoke Times and Bill Cochran, former Outdoor Editor of The Roanoke Times (not shown in photo) as co-chairs of the 80th Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference held in the Roanoke Valley last month.

The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes our newest members

• Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
• Comfort Inn Troutville / Roanoke
• Patrick Henry Hotel
• Sugar Tree Inn

Member Information Updates Needed!

We are currently compiling membership information for the 2008 Roanoke Valley Visitors Guide, Group Tour Manual and Meeting Planners Guide as well as the Bureau’s newly redesigned website. We strive to have the most current information available on our members in our publications and on our website.

We have recently sent you a membership information update form. Please complete and return the form to the Bureau, along with any new images you may have for your organization. The deadline for returning the membership information update form has been extended to Monday, July 30, 2007.

For information or questions regarding membership with the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, please contact Heidi Mowry at hmowry@visitroanokeva.com or (540) 342-6025, ext. 116. Click here to learn about our membership benefits.

Convention Marketing

Kelly Burd-Adams attended the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) Annual Conference. VSAE attracted 75 State Association Executives for a 2 day educational/networking conference.

Kelly Burd-Adams will join the Virginia Tourism Corporation and participate in two trade shows this summer. Meeting Planners International (MPI), held in July, targets primarily corporate meetings and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), which meets in August, will attract the association community.

The Bureau will put increased emphasis on the religious conference market in the coming year. This market is a good “fit” for the Valley and represents a growth potential for us. Additionally, the Bureau will add Black Meeting and Conventions as a point of emphasis in the coming year.

Sports Marketing

With the success of the BG US Challenge last October, the staff has targeted more non-traditional sporting events for the Valley. Of course, the Bureau will continue to actively pursue the more traditional youth sports market which has generated so much success for the region including this summer.

Dave Kjolhede and Kelly Burd-Adams attended the National Association of Sports Commissions and met with various Sports Rights Holders to obtain specific information pertaining to 8 different event opportunities.

Dates To Remember

September 12 - Tourism Technology, Research and Statistics Workshop – Meet two Virginia Tourism Corporation experts to demonstrate the latest in technology trends. 9:00am – Noon; Location - Roanoke Higher Education Center; Contact the Bureau to register.

September 19 - Hospitality Training Workshop – Located at the Holiday Inn Roanoke – Valley View. Two workshops will be offered beginning from 9am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm. The cost to participate is $15.00 for CVB members and $20.00 for non-members. Click here for a registration form.

Newly Redesigned Web Site Launches

 

The RVCVB is pleased to announce the launch of its new web site. The new site design reflects the look of Bureau publications and advertising. In addition, new tracking mechanisms will be established. We will be able to determine the type of consumer coming into the site as well track the hits going out to the tourism industry.

In FY 2006-2007, the web site received over 6 million hits, 1.7 million page views and over 130,000 unique client sessions. These numbers have risen with more emphasis placed on driving the visitor to our site. Visitors to the web site have the capability of downloading Bureau publications as well as opt-in to receive additional information on specials and upcoming programs. This feature will allow the Bureau to stay in contact with these potential visitors and help increase repeat visitation.

All members of the RVCVB receive a FREE listing as well as a link to their web site. For additional information regarding the web site contact Debora Wright at dwright@visitroanokeva.com or 342-6025, ext. 121.

Upcoming Conventions & Sporting Events

Featured Events

Click here for a complete list of events.

6th Annual Summer Blast 2007

August 11: 10am – 3pm; Location: Roanoke County's Green Hill Park
A day of free activities for children 12 and under, including Interactive games, Clowns, Children's Cakewalk, Face painting, Karaoke, Misting Tent, Hayrides, Costumed characters, Touch-A-Truck, Giant inflatables and Pony rides! (540) 387-6455 or www.roanokecountyva.gov/Departments/ParksRecreationAndTourism/SpecialEvents/SummerBlast.htm

27th Annual Olde Salem Days

September 8: 10am – 5pm (6:30pm – 10pm concert: $5.00); Location: Main Street, Downtown Salem
Sponsored by the Salem Jaycees – this event is one of the largest arts & crafts festivals in Virginia attracting over 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers each year. See an antique car show along with three stages of entertainment, and a children's fair with rides, games and free activities for children of all ages. (540) 772-8871 or www.oldesalemdays.org

18th Annual Henry Street Heritage Festival

September 29: 10am – 10pm; Location: Elmwood Park, Downtown Roanoke
Sponsored by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, the Henry Street Heritage Festival celebrates with live entertainment by local, regional and national performers, Youth Showcase, Heritage Market, The Food Court and children's activities. (540) 345-4818 or www.harrisonmuseum.com

Roanoke Arts Festival

October 4 – 7; Location: Various venues throughout the Roanoke Valley
This fall's first Roanoke Arts Festival will feature jazz great Ramsey Lewis and folk singer Judy Collins, along with many performances by area arts groups, including an original ballet with music played by the Audubon Quartet. More details to come – Contact Rick Salzberg for information. (540) 853-5841 or www.roanokecelebrates.com