Governor on trade and tourism mission to Boston and Canada

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced May 16 that he will lead a four-day marketing mission to Boston and Canada, May 17-20. The Governor will be accompanied by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, and representatives of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The delegation will visit the greater Boston area, Montreal, and Toronto.

Governor McAuliffe will meet with senior business executives and government representatives to promote the advantages of doing business in Virginia. The Governor and his delegation will attend more than 20 meetings over the course of the mission. He will also promote Virginia oysters, wine, craft beer, outdoor recreation and travel through a series of interviews with Boston and Canadian media outlets.

In addition to one-on-one business meetings, the Governor will host three receptions to showcase Virginia’s growing economy, agricultural assets, culinary offerings, and scenic beauty. These benefits, in addition to Virginia’s great schools and thriving communities, offer exceptional quality of life for the employees of prospective corporate investors.

“Marketing and trade missions are a critical component of Virginia’s proactive approach to economic development and building a New Virginia Economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These business networking trips provide invaluable opportunities to personally encourage corporate leaders to invest in Virginia and create jobs for our citizens. Missions also give us the ability to promote our world-class tourism products. Meeting with important stakeholders, both domestically and abroad, is a critical avenue for telling the Virginia story and sharing why Virginia is for Lovers.”

Domestic tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2014, visitors to Virginia spent $22.4 billion, which supported 217,000 jobs and contributed $1.5 billion in state and local taxes. The travel industry is the fifth largest employer in Virginia.