Recent news and announcements from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
Events and Happenings |
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| 280th Anniversary of George Washington's Birthday Celebrated with 14 Events (2/1/2012) Thousands will join in the revelry for the 280th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the largest George Washington birthday parade in the country, free admission to historic sites, 18th-century dance classes, popular walking tours, and even a Cherry-themed challenge among local restaurants. |
| Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week (1/1/2012) January 13-22, 2012. 60 restaurants offer a $35 prix-fixe three-course dinner or $35 dinner for two. Savor the flavors of Alexandria’s distinctive collection of eateries, from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites. |
| First Night Alexandria New Year's Eve Bash: 6,000 Balls Will Drop at Laser Light Finale (12/9/2011) A mega mix of live musical acts and entertainment with 100 performances at 18 indoor venues throughout Old Town, plus the Third Annual Fun Hunt, children's face painting and games, and a laser light multimedia finale at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, where 6,000 balls will drop on revelers at midnight. |
| Black Friday Free Parking, Early-Bird Hours, and Deep Discounts in Alexandria (11/1/2011) Alexandria is rolling out the red carpet for shoppers on Black Friday with free parking at meters and in City-owned garages and parking lots, plus early bird hours and deep discounts at dozens of locally owned stores. |
| Potomac River Lights up for 12th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (11/1/2011) Alexandria's harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Festivities begin at the Alexandria City Marina behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 4 p.m. with live performances and Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. |
| King Street Named a "Top 10 Great Street" by American Planning Association (10/4/2011) The American Planning Association (APA) announced the designation of King Street as one of 10 Great Streets for 2011 under the organization's Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value. |
| 9th Annual Alexandria King Street Festival of the Arts (8/30/2011) September 10-11, 2011. For two days King Street from Washington Street to the waterfront is transformed into an outdoor art gallery with original fine artwork by over 200 artists from the US and abroad. Find paintings, life size sculptures, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collage, and more. The “Alexandria Art Experience” features artist-led, hands-on, creative activities, and an Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser, presented by The Art League and the Torpedo Factory Art Center. |
| Alexandria Fall Arts Jubilee (7/29/2011) With dozens of art events throughout the fall, Alexandria’s Fall Arts Jubilee is a true celebration of the arts – and a delightful time to enjoy the town voted ‘Third Best Arts Destination Among Mid-Size Cities’ by AmericanStyle magazine readers. |
| Alexandria’s Attractions Welcome Visitors (4/7/2011) As one of Washington, DC’s original neighborhoods, only Alexandria offers an authentic experience of early American history in the setting of George Washington’s hometown. |
| Garden Events Sprout throughout Alexandria, VA (3/14/2011) Visitors will revel in the splendor of spring with a colorful variety of garden events throughout Alexandria, VA. The season’s cornerstone garden event is the annual Historic Alexandria House and Garden Tour which invites the public to saunter through Old Town’s walled gardens, intimate courtyards, and stately historic homes. |
| National Trust 'Distinctive Destination' Award Celebrated by Alexandria on Market Square (2/15/2011) With fanfare on historic Market Square, the city announced that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Alexandria to the list of 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city earned this prestigious designation for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history. From February 15 to March 15, Alexandria competes to win Fan Favorite at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd |
| George Washington Birthday Parade and Weekend Festivities (1/28/2011) Largest parade in the country celebrating the nation’s first president takes place on Washington’s Birthday holiday, Monday, February 21, 1 to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. Part of a weekend of events that includes an historic reenactment at Fort Ward Park, the Birthnight Banquet & Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern, a 10-K race, a 1-mile race just before the parade, plus free open houses at historic attractions. |
| First Night Alexandria New Year’s Eve Bash (12/15/2010) Celebrate New Year’s Eve with 100 live performances at 17 indoor venues, the Second Annual Fun Hunt, plus children’s entertainment and interactive games, and a spectacular midnight finale with lasers, video, music and fireworks at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. |
Industry News |
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| Alexandria Announces 6.7 Percent Increase in Visitor Spending (10/3/2011) The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announces visitor spending in Alexandria increased 6.7 percent in 2010 to total $657 million, generating city tax revenue of $22.4 million, an increase of 4 percent. Visitors to the city support nearly 6,000 jobs with a payroll of $114 million, up 3 percent from 2009. The number of room nights sold continues to increase – up more than 25,000 in 2010 – on top of the 65,000 room night increase in 2009. |
| Alexandria Hotels Celebrated at ACVA Summer Social (6/20/2011) The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association celebrated Alexandria’s hotel industry and its contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria at the annual ACVA Summer Social on June 16, 2011. The hotel industry is one of Alexandria’s biggest employers and generates $22 million in tax revenue for the City, including property taxes. |
| ACVA’s Second Annual Alexandria Tourism Marketing Summit (5/19/2011) Alexandria’s tourism community learned how to tap into — and increase — Alexandria's $616 million in annual visitor spending from experts in news media, e-marketing, social media, and hotel sales. Mayor Euille announced that City Council has increased their investment in tourism sales and marketing by almost $400,000 in the fiscal year 2012 budget. |
| National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Alexandria a 2011 Distinctive Destination (2/15/2011) The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Alexandria to the list of 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city was selected for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history. From February 15 to March 15, Alexandria will participate in a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd |
| Alexandria Continues to Beat Tourism Trends (10/15/2010) The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announces visitor spending topped $616 million and overnight stays increased by 66,000 room nights in calendar year 2009. Visitor spending generated $22 million in City tax revenue and supported 6,000 jobs with a payroll of $111 million in 2009. |
| Alexandria, VA Hotels Stimulate Local Economy With $388 Million Property Investment (2/23/2009) Over the last two years, $388 million has been invested in the construction of new hotels as well as renovations and upgrades at existing properties in Alexandria, Virginia. This investment provides enhanced offerings and amenities for both business and leisure traveler. |
Meetings and Groups |
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| Free Motorcoach Parking Available to Groups Visiting Historic Old Town Alexandria (10/13/2011) Alexandria welcomes motorcoaches with free parking options and user-friendly resources. Motorcoach parking in historic Old Town Alexandria requires a free parking permit that can be obtained through online registration. Additional free, unreserved parking locations are available within three miles of Old Town. Paid short-term and long-term parking are also available. |
| The Dining Revolution in Alexandria, Virginia Benefits Meeting Travel (4/10/2008) The historic seaport is focused on food as it bustles with vibrant culinary creations from the industry's top chefs. |
