Business & Tech

Tourism Group Offers Tutorial on the ABCs of Alexandria Business

The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association discussed the importance of tourism to the city's economy at a marketing forum last week.

The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association hosted a forum last week for small businesses, civic associations and other community members to review resources available for business growth.

It’s important that the residents and business owners realize that tourism is a key and effective economic generator for the city, said ACVA President and CEO Patricia Washington.

She added that her group has been building its technological tools, such as an interactive website to reach out to tourists, but also works hard to foster personal connections.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“We’re high tech but high touch,” she said.

Washington noted that in 2011, tourism spending generated $711 million, which brought in city tax revenue of $23.1 million.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

She added that with the government sector “softening” in its spending, it’s more important than ever that members of the business community collaborate, get in touch with the associations they are involved with and work with the ACVA to help foster growth in Alexandria.

Other speakers from the following local groups outlined their services and resources available to the business community and others:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here