Criteria for State-Certified Local/Regional Visitor Centers
These criteria provide for the recognition and support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to local/regional visitor centers in the state.
VISITOR CENTER REQUIREMENTS
- Visitor center should be open year-round a minimum of five (5) 8-hour days per week, two of which MUST be Saturday and Sunday. If open LESS than seven days, hours must be posted on interstate/highway signage. Failure to comply with posted hours will result in loss of certification. When closed, the certified center will post a map of Virginia Welcome Centers or nearest information center that is open so that travelers can locate an alternate source of travel information.
- Visitor center must be located in a convenient and accessible location for the ease of travelers. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the local government must erect appropriate blue and white interstate and/or other highway signing. Similar trailblazing signs must clearly lead to the facility, and facility must have a clearly visible exterior sign. All signing is to be paid for by the organization operating the facility.
- There must be a variety of brochures displaying information on attractions, localities, events, shopping and accommodations across the state. This display would include at least one brochure from all other state-certified local/regional visitor centers.
- Visitor Center organization must work in cooperation with a local Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), a local Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), local chamber of commerce, or local government office.
- Adequate free parking areas must be designated for visitors.
- There must be adequate restroom facilities to accommodate visitors.
- Visitor Center manager and appropriate staff must attend a VTC orientation session.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY VTC
- Certified centers will receive free annual distribution of one 4”x9” brochure at all 10 state welcome centers and the Richmond sales office (a $1,296 value). The brochure must represent the visitor center’s community and/or region.
- When
available, VTC will provide limited bulk quantities of:
- Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide
- Virginia Golf Guide
- Virginia Civil War Newspaper
- When available, VDOT will provide annual bulk supply of state highway maps. All certified local/regional visitor centers are marked on the official state highway map.
- Certified centers will receive a prominent listing as a primary contact in the Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.
- An annual visitor center seminar and fam tour designed by the VTC will be provided for both visitor center managers and travel counselors.
- VTC will offer recommendations and assistance with hospitality training for the travel counseling staff.
Certified centers will be provided the opportunity to participate in any future VTC quality control programs, such as a Secret Shopper Program, and would be provided a copy of any reports generated by such programs.