Top Virginia Representatives Host Virginia Tourism And Wine Event in Hong Kong

Nov. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and President & CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Rita D. McClenny have recently completed a multi-city tour in Asia, celebrating the end of the journey with a special Commonwealth Virginia tourism and wine event in Hong Kong.

Their visit to the Asia region included tourism meetings and events, along with economic development and agriculture appointments, in China and Hong Kong, as well as Japan and South Korea. The trip further demonstrated Virginia’s commitment and desire to welcome and engage the Asian tourism market.

Governor McAuliffe marked the trip as “a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Commonwealth of Virginia’s longstanding and productive relationship built on the pillars of economics and trade.”

“Tourism is an instant revenue generator,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In Virginia, tourism generates $21 billion in visitor spending annually, supports 210,000 jobs and generates $1.3 billion in state and local taxes.  Growing our tourism industry is a major mandate for Virginia.”

The United Nations World Travel Organization projects that China will have more than 200 million outbound tourists by 2020 and will be the largest tourism market in the world.China is currently ranked as the sixth largest spenders in the U.S. with $9.8 billion in travel and tourism related receipts in 2013.

“Virginia is poised to provide a superior travel experience as the worldwide population continues to grow and overseas travel increases in markets such as China and Japan,” said McAuliffe.

The state and capital region’s rich history, abundant cultural resources and natural beauty make Virginia a top U.S. destination for visitors who are interested in gaining an in-depth appreciation of the United States.

Visitors will be surrounded by rich American history while visiting Virginia. As the birthplace of eight US Presidents (including four of the first five presidents), Virginia also features world-renowned icons including the national monuments, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Hong Kongers in particular will find a place that shares their passion for oysters. Virginia is recognized as the “Oyster Capital of the East Coast” where tourists go to relax and savor the local wine, craft beer, cider and moonshine paired with succulent oysters from the East Coast’s seven unique oyster regions.

Travelers can hike, bike and kayak through the outdoor beauty of Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chesapeake Bay. Home to Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia welcomes 445 weeklyflights on 28 carriers from 50 international destinations.