Will new casino be a jackpot for Norfolk?
Norfolk’s $750M casino project is on track for 2027, but rising competition and lower tax projections raise revenue questions.
Roanoke Valley confronts hotel room shortage
As a trio of hotels shuttered in the city over the past several years, the number of rooms available in Roanoke to travelers has shrunk. Two hotels — the Blue Ridge Hotel & Conference Center, which closed in late 2019, and a Days Inn that shuttered in 2022 — were replaced by multifamily developments. And […]
Tourism bet pays off for Danville and Pittsylvania
In 2024, visitor spending across Danville and Pittsylvania County reached $275.2 million, according to data from the Virginia Tourism Corp. That’s a year-over-year increase of 23.5% — making it the fastest-growing tourism destination in Virginia. Tourism supported 2,221 local jobs and generated more than $11 million in local tax revenue across the region. One obvious […]
Buc-ee’s delays second Virginia location by four years
Buc-ee’s has pushed the expected opening of its New Kent County travel center from 2027 to December 2031.
Virginia casinos post $82.45M in November revenues
November gaming revenues at Virginia’s three permanent casinos and Norfolk‘s new temporary casino totaled $82.45 million, according to Virginia Lottery data released Dec. 15. Norfolk’s temporary Interim Gaming Hall, which opened Nov. 7, reported adjusted gaming revenue (wagers minus winnings) of $1.42 million during its first 23 days of business. All of that came from […]
Newport News music festival set for Memorial Day weekend 2026
Newport News City Council approved a $3 million grant to support the launch of a major music festival coming Memorial Day Weekend 2026.
Bristol hopes for bigger share of casino tax
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol this November marked its first year in its permanent facility — a milestone that the city’s mayor says prompted officials to move ahead with trying to change how tax revenue from the casino is divided. “We’re excited to have them here,” says Mayor Becky Nave, “but we just […]
100 People to Meet in 2026: Hosts
Nourishing and delighting us, these Virginians welcome us to their communities through food, hospitality and entertainment.
Petersburg casino announces opening date for temporary facility
The temporary Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg will open Jan. 22, 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Demand rises for unique meeting locations
Event planners are choosing distinctive Virginia venues — from art museums to racetracks — to create memorable experiences.
VA1 Summit gives tourism pros chance to talk
Virginia tourism leaders will gather in Danville for the annual VA1 Summit to discuss innovation, AI and the future of travel.




















