New name, logo for RVA tourism group

The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau is trimming its name, but not trimming its ambition to bring tourism to the region.

April 26, 2013; 11:12 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau announced Friday that the nonprofit tourism organization will rebrand itself as Richmond Region Tourism (RRT). In addition to a new name and logo, the organization released a brochure on the financial effects of tourism on the region (PDF) and an overview of its incentive plan to encourage local nonprofits to lure events to the region.

Jennifer Carnam, Vice President of Marketing at RRT, said the new name is more fitting “because we’re not just about conventions. We’re about driving and supporting tourism for the entire Richmond Region.” Describing the new logo¹ at Friday’s unveiling, Carnam said, “It’s bold and makes a statement, just like our region does.”

Roughly 6 million visit the region annually, collectively spending $1.93 billion,² an average of $5 million per day. Over 20,000 people in the region are employed by the tourism and travel industry.

While the region offers many appealing destinations, attractions are not the only draw. According to a study commissioned by RRT last year, sports and religious conventions are among the best at boosting hotel occupancy and local business (followed by association and government conventions).

To increase the amount of tourism to the region, the RRT has announced an incentive program that will reward local nonprofits that recruit regional, state, and national meetings. RRT will reward recruiting nonprofits $2 for each hotel room booked (e.g. an event that books 100 hotels would reward $200). The RRT will also help book the regional business, provide marketing, and assist with vendor selection, among other services.

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April 26, 2013 11:12 AM 0