More warning signs emerge for US travel industry as summer nears
Expedia cites reduced U.S. travel demand for its weak Q1 revenue, as consumer confidence dips and tourism from Canada and abroad continues to decline.
Norfolk casino developer pledges $1M to NSU
Boyd Gaming, the company behind the $750 million Norfolk casino, pledged $1 million to Norfolk State University to support its business school’s tourism and hospitality management program.
May 2025 Virginia 500 Spotlight: ALLIE EVANGELISTA
From Brazil to Virginia, Evangelista's journey spans hotel housekeeping, cultural exploration, and insights on AI's future in hospitality.
Virginia scores big with booming sports tourism industry
Henrico and other Virginia counties see major economic growth from sports tourism, with events and new venues boosting jobs, tax revenue, and visitors.
Newport News aims for summer music festival
Newport News is preparing to launch a major music festival this year to boost tourism and support area businesses. Mayor Phillip Jones says the city is currently trying to attract national talent and is reviewing applications from people and organizations wanting to help organize, partner with and promote the festival. Although Newport News has “a […]
Developers break ground on $1.4B Petersburg casino
Baltimore-based The Cordish Cos. and Virginia Beach developer Bruce Smith Enterprise broke ground Wednesday on the much-anticipated $1.4 billion Live! Casino & Hotel Resort in Petersburg. The mixed-use development’s backers say it will create about 1,400 permanent jobs, increase tourism and generate billions in economic benefit for Virginia. In November 2024, more than 80% of […]
Construction kicks off on $750M Norfolk casino
After more than four years and amid shifting plans, construction has finally begun on Norfolk’s new $750 million casino resort. Norfolk Casino spokesperson Jay Smith confirmed that construction on the long-awaited project kicked off Friday near Harbor Park. While a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2024, actual site work didn’t begin until last […]
2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Jerrine Lee
Lee joined Richmond Region Tourism in 2016 as its convention and sports services manager, and since then, she’s moved several rungs up the ladder to her current position managing sales teams who bring meetings and conventions to Richmond. Previously, she worked in corporate sales and client relations for the Richmond Flying Squirrels Double-A baseball team. […]
Done and Dome — Oceanfront venue to open in May
When Three Dog Night takes the stage May 4 at The Dome, the 1970s rock band will help open a new chapter in live performances at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront that it closed more than three decades ago. Known for hits such as “Joy to the World,” the band was the last group to play […]
Norfolk focuses on cruise and entertainment tourism
The “city surrounded by water” — Norfolk — is going through “an evolution, putting in necessary investments to stay on top of the times” as a tourism destination, says Sean Washington, the city’s director of economic development. The city is expanding its cruise center to accommodate an influx of passengers year-round, has broken ground on […]
Fairfax casino bill moves forward in Va. Senate
A Virginia State Senate bill that could bring a casino to Tysons won a vote in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, pushing it forward to a full Senate vote later in the Virginia General Assembly session. If passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Fairfax County voters would have the […]