The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
on Friday announced the official launch of an LGBT tourism marketing
effort.
The announcement comes a day before
Saturday's Virginia Pride Festival in Richmond, which will feature
national acts such as Mary Lambert.
At the festival, VTC will unveil a
signature LOVEwork, a work of art with the word “LOVE,” and
Virginia is for Lovers PRIDE merchandise.
For the campaign, VTC has switched out
the traditional red heart in its classic Virginia is for Lovers logo
with a rainbow heart.
A landing
page on VTC's website for LGBT travelers features a welcome
message from Governor Terry McAuliffe.
“A vacation in Virginia is all about
doing the things you love to do with the ones that you love, and we
are thrilled to offer this new resource for the LGBT community, their
friends, and their families, to help them plan the perfect vacation
in Virginia,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia
Tourism Corporation. “Travelers to Virginia can experience our
legendary historic attractions, more than 280 wineries and 160 craft
breweries, outdoor recreation, amazing dining scene, the arts,
beautiful beaches, and so much more. We look forward to welcoming all
travelers to the Commonwealth to discover for themselves why Virginia
is for Lovers.”
The U.S. LGBT travel industry is
estimated to be worth $57 billion, VTC said.