Southwest tourism spending climbs
Visitor spending in Southwest Virginia reached $766 million in 2023, a 12% increase from 2022, according to data from the Virginia Tourism Corp. The region also saw a 29% increase from 2019, a rise that puts it well above that of the state as a whole, which saw a 15% increase in tourism revenue from […]
Maymont issues RFP for $10M infrastructure project
Maymont, a historic public park and estate in Richmond, issued a request for proposals this week for an estimated $10 million infrastructure improvement project for the Maymont Mansion and wildlife habitats. Part of the Maymont 2025 campaign, the project includes replacing the roof of the mansion and modernizing its ventilation, fire suppression and safety. The […]
Southwest Va. builds outdoor rec centers
Southwest Virginia has two new centers welcoming outdoor adventurists and another on the way. With a grand opening set for August, the $1.5 million Back of the Dragon Welcome Center opened in Tazewell in May 2020. In Coeburn, Spearhead Trails opened a 22,000-square-foot activity center in its renovated Coeburn headquarters last year. And the $2.67 […]
Sterling CEO named adventure parks association chair
Sterling-based Flight Adventure Park CEO Steven L. Yeffa has been named chairman of the International Adventure and Trampoline Parks Association’s board, the family entertainment venue company announced in early May. “We are thrilled to have Steve elected as our chair,” IATP Executive Vice President Bethany Evans said in a statement. “His vision and leadership is […]
Alpine-X names Olympian Bode Miller as chief innovation officer
McLean based indoor snow sports resort developer Alpine-X LLC has named Olympic alpine ski racer Bode Miller its chief innovation officer, the company announced Wednesday. Miller, who has won six Olympic medals, owns consulting and professional services group M BAR W Enterprises LLC with Andy Wirth. “Alpine-X is advancing a creative, visionary and inclusive approach […]
Boosters seek federal protection for Chesapeake Bay recreation
For decades, conservationists have lobbied for the Chesapeake Bay to become a national park. During the past year, a new twist on that old idea has gained momentum: establishing the Chesapeake Bay as a national recreation area, stretching from Hampton’s Fort Monroe north to Annapolis, Maryland. National recreation areas extend federal protections to preserve recreational […]