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

Vice President, Site Operations & Visitor Engagement – Stratford Hall

This position is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across Stratford Hall’s 1,800-acre site, including its historic structures, grounds, trails, educational offerings, and hospitality facilities. This role requires a dynamic manager with deep expertise in driving visitation, historic preservation, cultural resource management, visitor engagement, and operational strategy, who will help us steward this extraordinary place into the future, growing audiences and ensuring our layered history continues to educate, inspire, and influence Americans for generations to come.

Apply here

Director of Communications – Stratford Hall

The position is responsible for developing and executing multi-platform communications strategies to build awareness and amplify the work and reputation of Stratford Hall with various stakeholders within and outside of the organization. The director works with various stakeholders to identify target audiences and markets as well as the strategies to reach them, develop stories and content, and identify opportunities that will help Stratford Hall boost contributed income; grow attendance at Stratford Hall and our events; and support other revenue streams such as lodging and retail sales.

Apply here

Executive Director – Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center at Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight of Tavern business, organizing the Heathsville Farmer’s Markets and other special events, and implementing ongoing marketing and advertising. Interested applicants should call the Tavern at 804-580-3377.

More information

Human Resources Manager – Visit Norfolk

Visit Norfolk is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Manager to lead HR policies, oversee personnel activities, and ensure smooth office operations. This role is central to fostering an inclusive, effective workplace while maintaining compliance with organizational and legal standards. VisitNorfolkis a non-profit that positively promotes the City of Norfolk’s unique experiences and expansive amenities to residents and visitors as the best city of its kind to start, study, and stay.

Apply Here

Economic Development Assistant – Powhatan County

This position is crucial to advancing the County’s economic initiatives and providing essential administrative support to the Director of Economic Development in executing a comprehensive economic development program. The position requires professionalism and a strong commitment to representing the County’s values, facilitating effective communication, managing key projects, and engaging with stakeholders. This position requires attention to detail and a proactive approach, ensuring all interactions reflect positively on the County’s mission.

Apply here