Gloucester Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grants for Significant Tourism Marketing
Multiple businesses operating tourism activities in Gloucester County received a collective $45,000 in grants from the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Gloucester Parks, Recreation, and Tourism received two grants: one to advertise rustic lodging and outdoor recreation and one to feature Gloucester’s rich history and unique boutique retailers. They are also currently working through a prior grant to advertise programming for the Gloucester250 celebrations.
“Gloucester has so many unique qualities that make it a standout vacation destination, from its rich history to its welcoming coastal charm. It’s exciting to see our community working hand-in-hand to share that story and make every tourism investment go even further,” said Hunter LeClair, Tourism Manager at Gloucester County.
Gloucester Main Street received a grant to promote Gloucester’s culinary artistry, local flavors, and the unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered downtown.
“Collaboration is at the core of our efforts to showcase everything Gloucester has to offer. These grants allow us to work closely with local businesses, community organizations, and property owners to promote the wide range of experiences that make Gloucester a truly special destination. We're especially proud to highlight our vibrant downtown as the heart of this welcoming community," said Lena Weisman, Executive Director, Gloucester Main Street.
Camp Cardinal RV Resort received a grant to continue their Virginia Wine Camp programming to include a Party on the Half Shell fall festival featuring Virginia wines and local watermen. Each of these businesses has a network of retail, lodging, and restaurants that will benefit from itinerary creation and comprehensive marketing strategies that present Gloucester as a great place to visit.
During this grant round, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $2 million in matching grant funds to 197 local tourism programs across the Commonwealth. These awards are funded through VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program, Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program, and VA250 Tourism Marketing Program.
These grant programs are designed to pair state funds with local tourism marketing campaigns to increase visitation and traveler spending through 2026. Local partners will commit more than $2.74 million to match the grant funding, generating more than $4.76 million in new marketing and event production focused on increasing overnight visitation across all nine GO Virginia regions. The tourism marketing will ultimately benefit 1,130 small businesses and nonprofits statewide.
“Tourism is a unifying force that strengthens communities, fuels small businesses, and supports jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “These grant programs empower our local partners to share the stories, experiences, and destinations that make Virginia such a special place to visit. We are proud to support this important work and to extend the impact of the Virginia is for Lovers brand through these collaborative efforts.”
Administered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, these tourism marketing programs are designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive visitation. Using the hub-and-spoke tourism model, Virginia entities create local partnerships to apply for funding.
VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2025 and 2026. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying for these grant opportunities may visit vatc.org/grants for more information or call Gloucester Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for assistance.
A full list of grant recipients can be found here.