Who can join the ACVA?
ACVA membership is open to any business, organization or individual with an interest in the hospitality and tourism industry in Alexandria.
As an ACVA member, what do I get?
For about the cost of buying a single ad in many publications, a member receives marketing exposure for an entire year, reaching the audience that is looking for Alexandria's goods and services. For a complete list of benefits, click here.
When do I have to pay dues?
General membership, which is open to restaurants, shops, museums and all other types of businesses and organizations that support the tourism industry, has annual dues of $300 that are collected in July, with options for joining throughout the year.
Once a member of the ACVA, you will receive an invoice for your dues in July. Historically ACVA has offered a discount to encourage members to pay promptly.
For information on joining as a hotel. For information on joining as an individual.
How do I get included in the Official Visitors Guide, and what is the deadline?
The popular Visitors Guide, with a circulation of 400,000, is published each December. In order to make sure your listing is included, you need to be an ACVA member by September 30 of the current year. At that time, you should have gone to VisitAlexandriaVA.com to review your listing, including your 30-word description and contact information, and submit any changes to the director of membership.
How can I get my materials into the Visitors Center?
Reaching visitors through the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House is one of the most valuable benefits of membership. You are welcome to personally stop by the center to deliver your materials, such as a coupon, postcard or flyer, and introduce yourself and your business to the staff. The staff also regularly calls member businesses to alert them when they run out of that business's stock of materials.
The visitors center staff, who serve as your ambassadors, are friendly and knowledgeable. They are always delighted to learn as much about your business as they can.
Are there additional fees to be included in publications?
Every general member is included in the Official Visitors Guide. ACVA regularly produces other publications, such as the Official Old Town Map and the Event Planner for meeting professionals. Assuming their listing is appropriate for each publication, members are included free of charge.
Are there additional fees to attend ACVA events?
Members are welcome to participate in most ACVA events free of charge. There are a few exceptions. The annual meeting is held in September and a fee of about $25 is charged to cover expenses. Also the ACVA organizes a monthly get-together that focuses on marketing, tourism-related topics and networking. It is usually free and open to the public, but occasionally there may be a small charge of $5 to cover a specific expense.
As a member, what is the best way to get involved in the ACVA?
The best way to maximize the benefits of your ACVA membership is to work as closely with the ACVA as your schedule and resources allow.
Who is eligible to be an Associate Member?
An Associate Member is a person who joins as an individual rather than on behalf of a company or organization. Members in this category have access to membership communications (invitations, emails, mailings). The category was designed for board members affiliated with a business or organization that is not an ACVA member, or for a resident who is interested in tourism but not affiliated with a company or organization appropriate for ACVA membership.
Associate membership is $45 a year.
What is an Alexandria Hotel Member?
Only hotels within the limits of the City of Alexandria may join. (Hotels outside the city limits should contact the Director of Membership regarding joining the ACVA.) The fee covers promotion space in the Alexandria Visitors Center, listings on VisitAlexandriaVA.com and inclusion in the Travelocity booking engine on that site, and a listing in the Official Visitors Guide. Hotels also have the opportunity to work with our top-notch sales team, which attends trade shows, organizes client events and regularly distributes qualified leads.
