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
Chapter & Events Manager – Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA), the umbrella organization for the hospitality and tourism industries of Virginia, is hiring a Chapter & Events Manager. This position plans, promotes and executes a variety of VRLTA events including membership meetings, regional, and chapter events and supports additional VRLTA educational and advocacy events. Competitive salary wage plus commission.
Events Manager – The Montpelier Foundation
The Montpelier Foundation at James Madison’s Montpelier is hiring a full-time Events Manager. The Events Manager has responsibilities integral to the successful execution of the Foundation’s strategic plan through the management and planning of events that welcome and entertain guests both at Montpelier and off-site. This includes meeting the event needs and providing excellent service to all departments at Montpelier and to outside customers using the facilities and services. The Events Manager has a passion for special events, a strong administrative background, provides outstanding customer service, is an enthusiastic professional, and builds relationships with internal and external customers. Hiring range is $48-50,000.
Executive Director – Virginia Air & Space Center/NASA Langley Visitor Center (Hampton, VA)
The Virginia Air & Space Science Center/NASA Langley Visitor Center seeks an accomplished, visionary, and dynamic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Center, its staff, and volunteers; lead successful fundraising initiatives; and ensure the continued growth and enhancement of its exhibits, collections, and educational programming. The mission of the Virginia Air & Space Science Center is to educate, entertain, and inspire explorers of all ages. The organization is supported by a dedicated team of 19 full-time professional staff, approximately 160 volunteers, and a 31-member Board of Directors.
Development Director – Nauticus
Nauticus, a nonprofit maritime discovery center located along Norfolk’s downtown waterfront, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Director to lead and execute all fundraising and membership initiatives. This role is instrumental in advancing Nauticus’ mission to provide impactful educational experiences and preserve the legacy of the Battleship Wisconsin.
Group Sales Manager – Nauticus
Nauticus, a nonprofit maritime discovery center located along Norfolk’s downtown waterfront, is seeking a full-time Group Sales Manager focused on meeting revenue goals, acquiring new group business, expanding existing group partnerships and target diverse market segments, including but not limited to travel and tourism, military, student, and corporate groups. The Group Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue and attendance through prospecting, selling, and booking impactful group visits to Nauticus. This position seeks potential clients through networking, strategic outreach, community-based engagement, trade shows, and grass roots sales strategies.
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.
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