In partnership with Virginia Tourism Corporation, Montgomery County Regional Tourism hosted strategic planning sessions for a new tourism plan on Oct. 22 and 23 alongside officials from the Town of Blacksburg, the Town of Christiansburg, and Montgomery County.
“Since joining Montgomery County Regional Tourism in June, developing a strategic plan has been my top priority,” said Samantha Livesay, executive director of Montgomery County Regional Tourism. “This plan will establish a strong foundation and set clear goals for tourism growth and development across our community.”
Facilitated by VTC officials and held at Christiansburg Recreation Center, community leaders split into focus groups for conversations about the strengths, needs, opportunities, and areas for improvement in the tourism sphere. Each group generated lists to be adapted into a strategic, three to five-year tourism plan.
“It was a pleasure hearing from local leaders and industry partners about what Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County are currently offering and what their vision is for the next three to five years,” said Kalen Hunter, senior destination development manager for Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This community has leaders who want to keep the positive momentum and continue growing the tourism industry to create a great quality of life for residents and to create a positive visitor experience as well.”
Representing two of the largest towns in Virginia, Montgomery County Regional Tourism markets a variety of tourism assets to a range of audiences with different missions and goals. By welcoming input from local leaders who understand the unique needs of their communities, the strategic planning sessions played a significant role in jumpstarting the development of a comprehensive tourism plan.
“Bringing our community and industry leaders together ensures accountability and alignment with broader community objectives, positioning us to support economic growth, business retention, increased overnight visitation, and ultimately higher direct visitor spending,” Livesay said.
Major steps are being taken to lift Montgomery County’s tourism efforts to the next level. Be on the lookout for the strategic tourism plan coming in the next few months.
“Since joining Montgomery County Regional Tourism in June, developing a strategic plan has been my top priority,” said Samantha Livesay, executive director of Montgomery County Regional Tourism. “This plan will establish a strong foundation and set clear goals for tourism growth and development across our community.”
Facilitated by VTC officials and held at Christiansburg Recreation Center, community leaders split into focus groups for conversations about the strengths, needs, opportunities, and areas for improvement in the tourism sphere. Each group generated lists to be adapted into a strategic, three to five-year tourism plan.
“It was a pleasure hearing from local leaders and industry partners about what Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County are currently offering and what their vision is for the next three to five years,” said Kalen Hunter, senior destination development manager for Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This community has leaders who want to keep the positive momentum and continue growing the tourism industry to create a great quality of life for residents and to create a positive visitor experience as well.”
Representing two of the largest towns in Virginia, Montgomery County Regional Tourism markets a variety of tourism assets to a range of audiences with different missions and goals. By welcoming input from local leaders who understand the unique needs of their communities, the strategic planning sessions played a significant role in jumpstarting the development of a comprehensive tourism plan.
“Bringing our community and industry leaders together ensures accountability and alignment with broader community objectives, positioning us to support economic growth, business retention, increased overnight visitation, and ultimately higher direct visitor spending,” Livesay said.
Major steps are being taken to lift Montgomery County’s tourism efforts to the next level. Be on the lookout for the strategic tourism plan coming in the next few months.
