The Patrick County Tourism Department announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) “50 Years of Love” grant fund. “50 Years of Love” is part of VTC’s efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Virginia is for Lovers tourism slogan, which was created in 1969 by Richmond-based advertising agency Martin & Woltz.
Beginning June 8th through July 27th, for fifty days, Patrick County Tourism will collaborate with the following area businesses to promote the “50 Years of Love” campaign:
One Family Productions WHEO Radio Patrick County Young Professionals
Wayside Park Mattie B’s Wolf Creek Farm B & B
Reynold’s Homestead Uptown Suites Stanburn Winery
Nancy’s Candy Stuart Rotary Club Primland Resort
Across the Way Productions/Floyd Fest Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Friends of Southwest Virginia Floyd Tourism
The 50 days of Love campaign will involve implementing a photo-op that will be on display at the festivals during the 50 days of Love period; social media engagements; 50 years of Love wristbands for special discounted services and items offered by business owners; ticket giveaways; regional promotions, including billboard and digital marketing in North Carolina.
“Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic tourism slogans in the world, and we are thrilled to be celebrating “50 years of Love” with partners from around the Commonwealth in 2019,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This grant program provides an engaging opportunity for destinations across the state to showcase what makes a vacation in Virginia so special, and helps to show travelers why Virginia is for Lovers still rings true 50 years later.”
In total, VTC awarded $390,000 to 39 tourism marketing programs, across the Commonwealth, to help increase visitation and revenue. Each grant recipient received a $10,000 grant for its “50 Years of Love” project, with the requirement of engaging 10 or more tourism partners in order to receive grant funding.
“Patrick County is proud to be one of the 39 tourism entities in Virginia to receive $10K for the 50 years of Love campaign. Tourism is the main industry in Patrick County which greatly impacts the local economy. Tourists visiting Patrick County generate expenditures including food, accommodations, incidental purchases, entertainment/recreation and travel generated receipts. This award will be used to market businesses, events and the County to a greater extent, while promoting 50 years of Love in Virginia” stated Sandra Belcher, Director of Tourism and Marketing for Patrick County.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, which is celebrating 50 years in 2019. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2017, visitors spent $25 billion, which supported 232,000 jobs and contributed $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.
About Virginia is for Lovers
Fifty years after its creation, Virginia is for Lovers continues to be one of the most recognizable and iconic tourism slogans of all time. Virginia is for Lovers was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on Sept. 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales and State Farm’s slogan, Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There. This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping Virginia is for Lovers as one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.
For more information about 50 Years of Love, visit www.virginia.org/virginiaisforlovers
For more information and to plan your next vacation in Virginia, visit www.virginia.org.
