Town of Culpeper Receives Regional Marketing Program Tourism Grant


Town of Culpeper Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $2.7 million for 259 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism.

Culpeper Tourism and Economic Development received a $20,000 grant for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Heritage Brand. Culpeper Tourism partnered with the Museum of Culpeper History and Windmore Foundation for the Arts to supply $40,000 in matching funds for the project.

“Culpeper's rich history dating back to 1749 is full of diverse stories - from our rich, complex and difficult past to all the incredible black, brown and diverse restaurants, artists, events and entertainment that make our community proud today,” offered Paige Read, Director of Tourism and Economic Development.  “This grant affords us the opportunity to partner with community leaders and organizations to build a brand and platform to share hitherto untold stories that helped shape our culture and community.”

Heritage tourism is a primary driver for Culpeper, with thirty-three (33) percent of visitors reporting ‘history and heritage’ as the primary reason for visiting Culpeper over the past twelve months.   “This VTC grant will help us grow our heritage tourism product, enabling us to connect with new audiences and markets.” – Read said. 

“These grant funds provide an important opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth to accelerate recovery efforts and continue with their best-in-class marketing initiatives to attract new travelers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism. “Increased visitation translates directly into revenue generation, underscoring tourism’s important role in stimulating economic growth and expansion”

The VTC Regional Marketing Program aims to help Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) drive overnight visitation and to supplement funding for economically significant special events and festivals in order to increase overnight visitation.  The DMO funding is projected to drive more than 125,000 room nights over the next 18 months.

More information on VTC’s Regional Marketing Program can be found at vatc.org.

About Culpeper Tourism
Tourism is a leading industry in Culpeper, generating $48.8M in economic impact during 2020, down 17% from 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Culpeper Tourism department is responsible for promoting Culpeper as an attractive travel destination, enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live, work and vacation.  Through the impact of travel, we strengthen Culpeper’s economic position and provide opportunity for our citizens.  Learn more at visitculpeperva.com

About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.


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