Monday, March 25, 2013
Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association President and CEO Patricia Washington sees a city poised to progress.
People visit Alexandria for its history, art, charm and ambiance, among other things. So when it comes to tourism, the city pretty much sells itself, right? Not exactly, says Patricia Washington, president and CEO of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. “Tourism marketing works,” said Washington, who stepped into her job in late 2012. That’s something she learned from her tenure at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, she said, speaking with Patch at ACVA’s offices on N. Washington Street. “Tourism marketing is a big driver of economic impact for a city. It makes a difference in a city’s economy,” she said. “It generates revenues benefitting everyone in the city.” In fiscal year 2012, visitors to …
Friday, January 18, 2013
Where to go, what to do and where to eat in downtown Alexandria this weekend if you're hosting guests for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.
Do you have guests in town for Inauguration Weekend? Chances are, your guests will want to do more than sit on your couch waiting for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday. So, we’ve rounded up some things you can do in Old Town to keep your guests entertained and happy. What To Do, Where To Go First, check out our weekend planner for events in and around town! You can always take your guests on a stroll down the shops on and off King Street, and include a wander through Founder's Park. Visit the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, too, where George Washington's memorial services took place. Take a tour of the Friendship Firehouse Museum—the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria, founded 1774. (Tours are by …
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Patricia Washington comes to Alexandria from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Alexandria’s official tourism promoter has a new president and CEO — Patricia Washington from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. Washington, who worked in her Philadelphia position for 12 years, will start her new position at the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Nov. 13. She is the third person to lead ACVA since it was created 13 years ago. “We are so pleased to welcome such a dynamic and innovative leader,” said Jody Manor, chair of the ACVA Board of Governors. “Patricia is joining a strong organization and a booming tourism economy — Alexandria has seen a 22 percent growth in visitor spending in the last five years. We know it will take a truly exceptional candidate to take the power of the ACVA to the…
Friday, September 28, 2012
In five years, the city has seen a 22 percent increase in visitor spending, far outpacing Virginia and Northern Virginia.
Alexandria experienced a more than 8 percent increase in visitor spending in 2011 over the prior year, bringing in $23 million in city tax revenue. In five years, visitor spending has increased 22 percent in Alexandria, significantly outpacing increases for Virginia and Northern Virginia, both at 9 percent, said Elizabeth McLaughlin, vice president of research at Virginia Tourism Corporation, who spoke at the event held at Metro Stage in Old Town. ACVA Acting President and CEO Lorraine Lloyd said that for each dollar spent to attract visitors, there was a $133 return on investment in visitor spending. To reflect the importance of attracting visitors to the area, City Council passed a fiscal year 2013 budget for ACVA with a $100,000 …
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Eric Nelson, owner of two small businesses in Alexandria, received the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association's Partner of the Year award for his efforts in boosting tourism.
Del Ray business advocate Eric Nelson received the David G. Speck Partner of the Year Award on Thursday morning from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association during its annual meeting. A surprised Nelson, a board member of ACVA and owner of Artfully Chocolate in Del Ray and Artfully Gifts and Chocolate in the Carlyle district and a former Del Ray Business Association president, accepted the award from its namesake, former City Council member David Speck. Speck said Nelson “richly deserved” the award for his passion for Alexandria, ACVA and Del Ray. In turn, Nelson said: “It hasn’t been a job, it’s been a pleasure,” speaking of his work with Alexandria. Speck told the packed house at Metro Stage on Royal Street that nobody should …
lawgal
11:24 am on Friday, March 29, 2013
Alexandria does benefit from tourism, although people need to realize that some stay here and in Crystal City to see D.C. monuments, memorials, museums, Cherry Blossoms, sports events (March Madness) as well. The King St. corridor and waterfront will likely remain the main attractions and the free trolley provided to and from Metro is well justified. It is also good to have regular police patrols… more ›