The Virginia Tourism Authority d/b/a the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) was established by the General Assembly in 1999 (§ 2.2-2315 et seq., Code of Virginia) as “…a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth." The Authority was given broad powers to “…stimulate the tourism segment of the economy by promoting, advertising, and marketing the Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and by coordinating other private and public efforts to do the same…" The General Assembly also recognized that the “…film industry is a legitimate and important part of economic development in the Commonwealth."

The VTC has a Board of Directors composed of 17 members, including the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Natural Resources, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, and 12 members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Governor designates the Chairman of the Board and the Board may elect one member as Vice-Chairman. The President/CEO of VTC is appointed by the Governor and also serves as the Board’s ex-officio secretary.

The VTC is headquartered in Richmond. In addition, the VTC operates 13 state welcome centers located strategically around the state to provide information to people traveling in Virginia.

OPERATING PLAN

This operating plan has been prepared in accordance with Chapter 854, the 2019 Appropriation Act, which states in part the following:

"Prior to July 1 of each fiscal year, the Virginia Tourism Authority shall provide to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees and the Director, Department of Planning and Budget a report of its operating plan."

This document provides summary information regarding VTC’s priorities, how it will accomplish its objectives, and the resources committed to those efforts.