Pulaski County Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant for Tourism Marketing

Pulaski County has received $2,200 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant Program, a new grant made available to Virginia’s Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) across the Commonwealth that have been heavily impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic to fund recovery marketing initiatives. A marketing grant of $866,504 in funds were awarded to 90 Destination Marketing Organizations as part of the DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant program.

Pulaski County will use the VTC WanderLove grant funds to promote staycations and highlight local tourism spots.
“We are excited about showcasing local itineraries that highlight our local assets, said Executive Director of the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Peggy White. As Virginia begins reopening, there is a lot of pent-up demand for leisure travel and people are seeking safe, close-to-home destinations that allow for social distancing and access to open spaces. With this in mind, the WanderLove campaign provides travel inspiration for road trips, outdoor recreation, hidden gems, small towns, and Virginia’s signature LOVEworks program.
“Virginia tourism is a critical sector of our economy and has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Getting travelers back on the road and spending money in our cities and towns is one of the fastest ways to inject dollars back into our economy and our communities. The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s DMO WanderLove Recovery Grants gives localities the ability to market their destination as safe and welcoming when visitors are ready to resume travel.” Tourism is one of the Commonwealth’s largest economic engines, with visitors to Pulaski County spending more than $59,625,00 in 2018, supporting 625 work opportunities and contributing $4,247,882 in local and state tax revenue. The tourism and hospitality industries have also been among the hardest-hit by the pandemic, experiencing decreased revenue and job loss, along with the temporary closure of many tourism-related businesses. A revived tourism economy can help spur new economic activity and inject critical funds back into Virginia communities.
Pulaski County is a charming, community-focused county with abundant amenities, such as deep agricultural roots, serene countryside, and advanced manufacturing operations. A hidden gem surrounded by the mountains, Pulaski County has something for every resident and visitor. From outdoor adventure to local shopping, charm and community makes Pulaski County uniquely special.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth as a
premier travel and film destination. In 2018, visitors to Virginia spent $26 billion, which supported
234,000 work opportunities and contributed $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. In 2019, Virginia is for
Lovers celebrates its 50th anniversary. To learn more, visit virginia.org
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