Barter Theatre has received a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Marketing Leverage Program for its new marketing strategies.
Virginia Tourism Corporation 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, according to a written statement.
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.
People are also reading…
- HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: John Battle outfielder Madison Bowery picks the ETSU Bucs
- Fairmount educator named finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year
- King University remains fully accredited, but still on warning status
- VDOT Lee Highway expansion public hearing will be July 7
“Barter Theatre has long been one of Abingdon’s most iconic and impactful tourism drivers, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. We’re thrilled to see them receive this support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Investments like this strengthen our local economy, spotlight the power of the arts, and reinforce Abingdon’s reputation as a premier cultural destination in Southwest Virginia,” said Chad Thompson, marketing and events manager for the town of Abingdon.
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.
Each grant program plays a distinct role in advancing tourism growth.