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
Direct, Park Media – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The Director of Media is responsible for leading the development and execution of paid media strategy for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, driving attendance, revenue, and brand awareness through a data-driven, integrated marketing approach. Reporting to the VP of Marketing & Sales with a dotted-line reporting relationship to corporate leadership, this role owns media planning, investment, and measurement across digital and traditional channels, and leads a team responsible for delivering marketing programs from strategy through execution — including content, promotional partnerships, and creative production that support the paid media plan. Salary is $90,000-105,000.
Vice President, Operations & Administration – Stratford Hall Historic Preserve
Stratford Hall, a National Historic Landmark, seeks a strategic and hands-on Vice President, Operations & Administration to lead the day-to-day operational and administrative backbone of the organization, with particular emphasis on financial, facilities, grounds, and capital project stewardship. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a core member of the senior leadership team, this role oversees sitewide facilities, landscapes, and security; oversees Stratford Hall’s business operations (gift shop, hotel/lodging, private events, and festivals); and provides senior-level financial oversight, including monitoring institutional budgets and directing the outsourced Controller. As Stratford Hall enters a period of significant capital investment across its 1,800-acre campus, this position will serve as the primary point of contact for the organization’s Owner’s Agent/Project Manager on large facilities projects. Hiring range is $90,000-120,000.
Assistance Visitor Center Manager
The City of Danville is hiring an Assistance Visitor Center Manager to assist with the management of the daily operations of the City’s visitor centers by providing outstanding customer service and accurate information to all customers and visitors. This full-time position assists with the guidance of the center’s staff, and administration of programs and events at the center and reports to the Visitor Center Manager. Hiring range is $48,105.80-57,726.96.
Director of Communications & External Affairs – Shenandoah National Park Trust
Shenandoah National Park Trust (SNPT), the official philanthropic partner of Shenandoah National Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and entering an exciting period of growth. SNPT is seeking a Director of Communications & External Affairs to serve as the primary architect of their communications and external affairs strategy, elevating SNPT’s voice and deepening their community presence at a pivotal moment in their history. Working closely with other SNPT staff, this position will translate complex conservation, policy, and philanthropic work into compelling narratives for diverse audiences — from Capitol Hill to gateway communities to major donors. Hiring range is $75,000-90,000.
Consumer Marketing Specialist – Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC)
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is seeking a Consumer Marketing Specialist. The Consumer Marketing Specialist will be responsible for developing and coordinating ABC consumer engagement, outreach marketing strategies, and programs to grow retail sales, profits, and return to the Commonwealth. This position is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating communication and promotional strategies and tactical plans. Specific responsibilities include overseeing, authoring, and sourcing relevant consumer-focused programs, content, concepts and offers to be distributed to consumers through multiple channels such as web, social media, email, digital and in-store. This position will work closely with Consumer Digital and Marketing Specialist, Retail Operations, Logistics, Digital/Web, Corporate Communications, and industry suppliers to promote sales while balancing requirements for responsible consumption.
Tourism Manager – City of Harrisonburg
The City of Harrisonburg’s Department of Economic Development is currently seeking a leader who is excited to join our dedicated team of community service professionals as our next Tourism Manager. The ideal candidate will be a creative, strategic thinker with the ability to position Harrisonburg competitively. We are seeking a collaborative relationship-builder who can strengthen our business, arts, and regional partners. This leader shall possess a passion for placemaking and enhancing the visitor experience. Hiring range is $75,857 – $85,342.
Marketing Manager (Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission) – City of Hampton
The City of Hampton is looking for an innovative Marketing Manager to lead dynamic marketing efforts for the Hampton Coliseum, The American Theatre, and The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. This role is ideal for a driven professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, excels in cross-platform promotions, and is ready to lead digital, print, and grassroots marketing strategies that generate ticket sales and elevate community engagement. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations, or a closely related field of study is required. Salary range is $48,827 – $53,709.
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.
Department of Conservation & Recreation and State Parks
Find open jobs on the DCR jobs page http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/jobs