“Virginia is for Lovers” continues to pay dividends for the state.
The Virginia Tourism Corp. has been named the state Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Awards, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced.
The award recognizes the corporation’s marketing initiatives behind the 40th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan in 2009 — the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country.
“At a time when the economy was having a major impact on travel, the 40th anniversary campaign helped Virginia stay competitive,” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corp. “Our Virginia is for Lovers brand is recognizable world-wide, and after 40 plus years, still resonates with travelers and represents the promise of a wonderful vacation with loved ones.”
The 40th anniversary year also garnered an induction into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame.
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in its member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
