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costs on the horizon,” he said.
Despite its reliance on tourism, only $2,000 of the county’s $10 million budget is targeted toward promotion. That money is invested in the Rural Virginia Escapes Program, through which Rappahannock hopes to attract more tourists to its restaurants, specialty shops, roadside stands and pick-your-own produce concerns.
The “Escapes Program” publishes a four-color bro-chure which is distributed in welcome centers throughout the state. It also coordinates farm tours and familiarization tours for travel writers and AAA counselors whose job it is to recommend tourist destinations.’ Escapes - also attends tradashows»wine festivals and expositions.
According to Sally Murray, tourism coordinator for Warrenton and Fauquier, Escape to Rural Northern Virginia is supported by a consortium of six counties: Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, Warren and Clarke. This is the third year the counties have pooled their resources with matching funds from VTC. Escape’s total budget is just over $100,000 according to Ms. Murray.
By teaming up, the counties are able to make the most of each promotional dollar. She said there are many positives to tourism in terms of economic development, but there are also some negative aspects. “The jobs, for the most part, don’t pay well. Tburism is primarily seasonal and is subject gas prices and the economy.”
Escapes plays a role, but most promotional efforts are organized and paid for by merchants. In the coming weeks this paper will examine the state’s and the private sector’s role in attracting tourism.
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