VIRGINIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY
Virginia’s Tourism Industry is a network of statewide businesses and tourism offices located in all urban and rural areas, including state and federal parks, private property and public areas⎯ from coastal bays and beaches to main street communities, farm country, mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches ⎯ each a KEY partner creating visitor tourism experiences.
Virginia travelers are ⎯ multi-generational families, couples, friends, groups including businesses, corporations, associations and sporting events ⎯ Domestic and International.
This includes all levels of lodging, dining, retail, attractions, parks, arenas and outdoor areas.
DMO ⏐ Destination Marketing / Management Organization
⦾ Local Tourism Offices are called Destination Marketing /or/ Management Organizations or DMOs
⦾ Local governments fund and staff Economic Development & Tourism offices to create strategic plans, marketing plans, events and offer business resources to support the local economy and businesses by welcoming visitors of all types to stay, enjoy, return and tell others to visit
⦾ Some localities form a Chamber of Commerce, who directs tourism for the locality
⦾ Others form regional Tourism Associations to leverage their marketing and spending power
⦿ Find Virginia’s statewide tourism DMOs visit > VA Tourism Industry Contacts
⦿ Visit this link to reach VADMO (statewide DMO association)
⦿ Visit this link to reach the Virginia Main Street program
* statewide mainstreet tourism development & marketing
TOURISM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
⦾ Many DMOs hire marketing and advertising firms to use state-of-the art research to create their brand, create marketing campaigns and review the results, answering questions such as:
⎯ How much marketing budget do we spend to reach our goal?
⎯ To attract repeat or new visitors from different areas, with different interests and travel budgets?
⎯ Have we researched our out-of-state competition similar to us, to gain insight and perspective
⎯ Did more visitors come because of our ads and social media campaign?
⎯ Are more people aware of our local destination’s brand?
⎯ Where and how should we spend are budget, targeting which visitors?
⎯ What research do we use to find the answers to ALL our questions?
⦾ Careers in tourism individual businesses, local governments, DMOs and creative agencies
⦾ Partnerships are crucial in tourism, and many DMOs, form strong relationships with local leaders, Chambers of Commerce (VACCE), Planning District Commissions (VAPDC), and local banks, city councils and county boards
⦿ Find job opportunities with Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) visit > VTC Employment Page
⦿ Check Virginia Workforce Connection, Virginia’s one-stop electronic workforce system
⦿ HCareers is for tourism industry & hospitality job and career seekers
⦿ Virginia Restaurant Lodging Travel Association (VRLTA) Job Board for hospitality jobs
VIEW OTHER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW
Executive Director – The Carter Family Fold
The Carter Family Fold is seeking a dynamic and passionate Executive Director to lead daily operations, programming, and community engagement efforts while preserving and promoting the rich legacy of traditional Appalachian music. This role oversees performances, facility operations, fundraising, partnerships, and board relations, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of this beloved cultural institution. The ideal candidate is highly organized, community-minded, and has experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and event coordination, with a strong appreciation for traditional music and heritage.
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to thecarterfold@gmail.com
Communications & Engagement Manager – Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
The Communications & Engagement Manager plays a central role in advancing the mission of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation by strengthening brand visibility, deepening community engagement, and activating volunteers and partners across the 52-mile Capital Trail corridor. This position is responsible for executing cohesive communications, managing digital and print content, and leading volunteer engagement efforts – including the Trail Ambassador Program. Salary range is $55-68,000.
President & CEO – VisitNorfolk
VisitNorfolk is seeking dynamic leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer. This role offers the opportunity to lead the destination marketing organization’s (DMO) efforts for one of the most vibrant waterfront cities on the East Coast. The President & CEO will provide strategic leadership for VisitNorfolk, guiding the organization’s marketing, sales, and visitor experience initiatives while strengthening relationships with industry partners, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will champion Norfolk as a premier destination for visitors, meetings, conventions, and events while supporting the continued growth of the region’s tourism and hospitality economy. Salary range is $125-150,000 commensurate with experience.
Digital Content Researcher & Producer – Colonial Williamsburg
The Digital Content Researcher & Producer serves as historian, researcher, content creator, and producer for digital media projects that advance Colonial Williamsburg’s educational mission, strategic plan, and interpretive approach. This role is responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality, historically accurate digital content across various platforms, including the Foundation’s website and digital media productions. The Digital Content Researcher & Producer collaborates closely with colleagues across the Division and the Foundation to ensure the highest standards of historical accuracy, production quality, and public engagement. This is a full-time, three-year grant-funded position. The role is time-limited and expected to conclude at the end of the grant term unless additional funding is secured.
President & CEO – Southeast Tourism Society (Remote)
The Southeast Tourism Society is seeking a transparent, dynamic, and empowering leader to serve as the new President & CEO. Serve as the chief ambassador and leader of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), representing 13 Southeastern states. The President & CEO will strengthen and expand relationships with state tourism leaders, industry partners, and STS alumni while working in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the mission and growth of this long-standing, member-driven organization based in Atlanta, GA.
Sales Manager OEM/HM – Newport News Marriott at City Center
Crestline Hotels & Resorts is hiring a sales manager for the Newport News Marriott at City Center. The ultimate mission of this role will be to solicit, sell, and contract rooms for the assigned markets in coordination with transient demand patterns and existing group business to maximize hotel rooms and related revenues. To accomplish this the Sales Manager will be responsible for maintaining and growing relationships with existing accounts and soliciting new group sales accounts.
Department of Conservation & Recreation and State Parks
Find open jobs on the DCR jobs page http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/jobs