Virginia Tourism Industry Careers

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

Economic Development & Tourism Specialist – New Kent County

The Economic Development and Tourism Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Economic Development and Tourism supporting a wide range of duties to support economic development projects, programs and activities requiring moderate supervision. The work of this position is as varied as the field of economic development. It may include development of marketing materials, research and presentation of data or summary of reports, assisting and reviewing the preparation of Department reports, tracking and preparing organizational and financial data, and critical support for development and implementation of projects.

Apply here

Arts Administration Manager (Coliseum Operations) – City of  Hampton

This position manages Guest Services, part-time and volunteer staff, venue rentals, contracts, and department activities for the Hampton Arts Foundation. Assists the Artistic Director with administrative and programming needs for The American Theatre, Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center and the Arts Education program and activities designed to bring about public awareness, education, participation, general interest and appreciation for the arts as a vital quality of life asset for the City. Provides management support for the day-to-day operations of The American Theatre.

Apply here

Assistant Marketing Manager (Coliseum Operations) – City of Hampton

The purpose of this position is to assist the Marketing Manager in developing and implementing marketing initiatives to sell and promote the events of the Hampton Coliseum, the American Theatre, and the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field of study is required. 

Apply here

Media Relations Manager (Convention & Visitors Bureau) – City of  Hampton

Assists the Director of Media & Community Relations in the implementation of all aspects of media relations for the purpose of increasing editorial exposure of the City of Hampton. Duties include promoting Hampton special events and leisure opportunities on an ongoing basis; collecting, coordinating, duplicating and distributing Hampton images to publications and stakeholders as necessary; writing and distributing articles and press releases to local and travel media as well as the Hampton Visitor Guide and the Hampton CVB/Retail quarterly newsletter.

Apply here

Group Sales Manager (Convention & Visitors Bureau) – City of  Hampton

Step into an exciting role as a Group Sales Manager with the City of Hampton, where your passion for sales and customer service will make a real difference. You’ll be at the forefront of bringing conventions and meetings to Hampton, using your creativity and strategic thinking to exceed sales goals and drive revenue that directly enhances the quality of life for Hampton residents. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Hampton by building strong partnerships and showcasing the city as the perfect destination for events.

Apply here

Sales Manager (Tourism Division) – City of Chesapeake

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to promote the City of Chesapeake, where is it a great place to live, learn, work, farm, and play?Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is seeking an experienced sales manager with a background in tourism and hospitality that has a passion for providing excellent customer to promote Chesapeake, VA as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, events, sports activities, tours, and tournaments. Some of the primary responsibilities are to increase overnight stays and day visitation; recruit for various events, travel, sports and leisure activities all by utilizing various marketing strategies and networking with business partners and stakeholders.

Apply here