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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 […]
Hospitality | Tourism
NEIL P. AMIN CEO, SHAMIN HOTELS, RICHMOND The past year has been a bit of a mixed bag for Amin and Shamin Hotels, one of the United States’ largest independent hoteliers. Shamin, which owns more than 60 hotels, saw its Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa in Short Pump enter receivership in January after falling behind on […]
Arts | Entertainment | Sports
TONY BENNETT DEAN AND MARKEL FAMILIES MEN’S HEAD BASKETBALL COACH, VIRGINIA CAVALIERS MEN’S BASKETBALL, CHARLOTTESVILLE The University of Virginia men’s basketball team fell victim to a positive COVID-19 test in March, forcing it to withdraw from the ACC Tournament — a “gut punch,” Bennett called it. The team was cleared in time to play in […]
Virginia hotel revenues still down, compared to 2019
Virginia hotel revenues for July 2021 decreased by 3% compared with pre-pandemic levels in July 2019, according to newly released data from STR Inc., a CoStar Group division that provides market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. During the same period, rooms sold decreased by 6%. The average daily rate (ADR) paid for hotel rooms […]
Va. hotel revenues still lagging pre-pandemic levels
Virginia hotel revenues for June 2021 were down 22% compared with pre-pandemic levels in June 2019, according to newly released data from STR Inc., a CoStar Group division that provides market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. During the same period, rooms sold decreased by 14%. The average daily rate (ADR) paid for hotel rooms […]
Fed says Fifth District economy growing moderately
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”z7qx6rb9ba” question=”Why?” opened=”0″]Amid the post-pandemic recovery[/wpdiscuz-feedback], the Federal Reserve’s Fifth District (including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Maryland) has been seeing moderate economic growth in recent weeks, according to the latest edition of the Federal Reserve’s Beige Bo[...]
Northam proposes $353M for small biz, tourism relief
Ahead of the General Assembly’s August special session, Gov. Ralph Northam said Monday he wants to spend $353 million of Virginia’s federal relief funding on small business recovery and assisting the tourism industry. Virginia received $4.3 billion in federal funds through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed in March. The Democratic-controlled General Assembly will […]
Va. hotel revenues increased by 178% in May
Virginia hotel revenues for May 2021 increased by 178% compared with May 2020, according to data released Tuesday by STR Inc., a CoStar Group division that provides market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. During the same period, rooms sold went up by 96%. The average daily rate (ADR) paid for hotel rooms rose 42% […]
Rolling out the red carpet
With high-speed subsea internet cables landing on Virginia Beach’s shores and massive wind turbines propelling off its coast, the state’s largest city is primed to welcome new businesses and industries generating high-end jobs. “Virginia Beach is going to be the epicenter of economic development on the East Coast,” says Mayor Bobby Dyer. “I am convinced […]
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation hires educational travel and conferences director
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced Friday that J. Thomas Savage will become its director of educational travel and conferences, effective July 12. Currently, Savage serves as director of external affairs for Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library in Delaware. “Tom Savage is an internationally known and respected expert who will bring new vigor and creative energy […]
Northam: State to loosen more restrictions May 15
Beginning May 15, the state will loosen more restrictions, including allowing larger social gatherings and expanded audiences for entertainment venues and sporting events, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced in a video message released Thursday. Restaurants will also be allowed to resume serving alcohol after midnight. Northam’s amendments to his pandemic executive orders, which take effe[...]
Kings Dominion sets minimum wage at $13 for seasonal workers
Kings Dominion, the Doswell amusement park, has set its minimum wage for seasonal employees at $13 per hour, it announced Thursday. Previously, the base wage was $9.25. The park, owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., expects to hire 2,100 seasonal workers before reopening May 22, and it also is hiring 80 new full-time positions with […]
