Wolf Trap, 'Shocktober' Awarded Tourism Grants From Virginia

VIRGINIA — Four tourism programs in Northern Virginia were among dozens across the state awarded a total of $861,080 in matching grants as part of a state tourism recovery program.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation created the Recovery Marketing Leverage Program to support tourism initiatives in areas of the state harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 64 local tourism programs were among the initiatives awarded grants by the state.

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts was awarded a $20,000 grant for its “Return to Wolf Trap” program aimed at getting patrons to feel comfortable again attending in-person performances at a large venue.

Also in Fairfax County, Visit Fairfax, the county's tourism bureau, was awarded a $5,250 grant to attract history buffs to the county. The grant will go to the Visit Fairfax program called “Explore a Place Where Few Tread: Experience Military History in Northern Virginia.”

“The tourism and hospitality industries have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement Wednesday. “The Commonwealth is stepping in to address the impacts of decreased revenue and job loss, along with the temporary closure of tourism-related businesses.”

Visitors to Virginia spent $27 billion in 2019, a 3.4 percent increase from 2018, contributing $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. However, like most states, Virginia saw a major decline in tourism revenues in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Forecasts project similar revenue declines in 2021. The Virginia Tourism Corporation offered the grants as a way to increase economic activity and promote travel across the state.

In Loudoun County, The Arc of Loudoun was awarded a $20,000 grant for its "Shocktober" event held in October leading up to Halloween. Shocktober serves as a major fundraising event for The Arc of Loudoun, a nonprofit group that serves children and adults with disabilities.

Loudoun County's tourism bureau, Visit Loudoun, was awarded a grant of $10,000 for its Loudoun Food and Drink Guide.

“We want to equip Virginia destinations with the tools they need to support and promote the diverse communities that travelers love to visit,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said in a statement. “Many people are eager to go on vacations again, and these grants will help towns and cities across our Commonwealth position themselves for success as visitors get back on the road.”