The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $20 , 000 grant from the
   Virginia Tourism Corporation
    ( VTC ) . The grant will help fund the Town’s “Center Your Universe” marketing and visitor experience campaign expected to launch in 2022 and continue throughout 2023 .
   As part of the campaign and in partnership with the
   Downtown Ashland Association
    and the
   Ashland Museum
    , the Town will develop and launch a new interactive visitor app , which will include storytelling and audio tour features , as well as highlight Ashland’s events , restaurants , shops , and hotels to visitors . The app will also give visitors the ability to build custom trip itineraries for their time spent in the Center of the Universe .
   “We truly appreciate Virginia Tourism’s investment in Ashland’s growing tourism economy , ” said Martha J . Miller , Community Engagement Manager for the Town of Ashland . “These funds will enable us to expand our marketing reach and develop assets in keeping with the interests of the next generation of travelers . ”
   “Our historic downtown and theatre , variety of annual community events , and strategic location along the I - 95 corridor already make Ashland a compelling draw for day - trippers and regional travelers , ” Ms . Miller added . “Pair these existing attributes with the forthcoming
   Mid - Atlantic Railroad Park
    and future completion of the
   Fall Line Trail
    ( of which Ashland will serve as its northern trailhead ) and I believe we’re looking at a very strong and exciting tourism economy for this community in the future . ”
   Yesterday ,
   Governor Glenn Youngkin announced
    that VTC awarded more than $2 . 7 million for 259 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism . Within the Town of Ashland and Hanover County , additional grant recipients include: Downtown Ashland Association ( $5 , 000 ) , Center of the Universe Brewing Co ( $6 , 700 ) , and Green Top Sporting Goods ( $30 , 000 ) .
   “These grant funds provide an important opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth to accelerate recovery efforts and continue with their best - in - class marketing initiatives to attract new travelers , ” said Rita McClenny , president and CEO of Virginia Tourism .
    
   “Increased visitation translates directly into revenue generation , underscoring tourism’s important role in stimulating economic growth and expansion”
   The VTC Regional Marketing Program aims to help Destination Marketing Organizations ( DMOs ) , such as the Town of Ashland , drive overnight visitation and to supplement funding for economically significant special events and festivals in order to increase overnight visitation .  The DMO funding is projected to drive more than 125 , 000 room nights over the next 18 months .
   About Virginia Tourism Corporation
   Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world . Using that powerful brand equity , Virginia Tourism Corporation ( VTC ) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation . The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy , provide jobs for Virginians , and improve communities across the state . Simply put , tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live , work , and vacation . Learn more at
    virginia . org .
   

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