“Virginia is for Lovers and it’s become one of the most beloved and iconic slogans in the world…”

Recently, Virginia Tourism Corporation(VTC) interacted with Indian media to update on the latest travel guidelines as well as its preparedness to welcome tourist once again. In an exclusive interview with Aviation World Magazine, Heidi Johannesen, Global Marketing Director, VTC, explained the USP of the tourism nation.

Virginia is for Lovers. What is the significance of this popular saying?

Our brand, Virginia is for Lovers was created more than 50 years ago, and it’s become one of the most beloved and iconic slogans in the world. No one knows exactly why the slogan has been so durable, but part of the mystique is that it’smeant many things to different people. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, and outdoor activities. At its core, the slogan calls to mind the value of spending quality time doing what you love with the ones you love.

India seems to be one of the main tourist markets for VTC. What type of travellers generally visit there?

Roughly a quarter of our Indian visitors come to Virginia for vacation. We do have a high number of Indian travelers who visit Virginia to spend time with friends and family who live in the area, or whotravel here on business. But no matter what their reason for visiting, while they are here, they also spend time visiting our attractions. The average length of stay is slightly more than 12 nights and shopping, sightseeing, visiting museums, national parks and monuments are the top activitiesfor our Indian visitors during their stay.

Key destinations one must visit in Virginia. And how many days is fair enough to explore them?

Even narrowing down the key destinations in Virginia is challenging, as we simply have so much to offer. Ideally, visitors wouldspend at least a week to explore and see the highlights. That would allow them to make a big circle through the state, departing from Washington Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia and heading a short hour west through Virginia wine country to Shenandoah National Park; thensouth through the famous Shenandoah Valley; before cutting east towards the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay; and finally, back north towards the airport.Iconic sites along the route includethe scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Parkandthe world-renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as the Appalachian Trail.Our historic triangle comprised of Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown,is a must to learn about the birth of America, thenvisitors can move on to the ocean, to spend some time at Virginia Beach. Finally, a visit to our capital of Richmondis a must before completing the circle. Along the route, visitors will want to stop at several of the U.S. president’s homes – especially George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Seeing a few of the prominent monuments and memorials as they circle the state is also a must, like Manassas National Battlefield Park andArlington National Cemetery. And of course, along the way they’ll have ample opportunity to stop at one of our more than 300 wineries and nearly 300 craft breweries, as well as dine at our multitude of fantastic restaurants.

What are convenient flight options for travel to Virginia from India?

Air India offers non-stop flights between New Delhi and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) located in northern Virginia, 30 miles outside Washington D.C. Travelers can also hop on a quick direct flight from major US cities such as New York, Newark, or Chicago. The Dulles International Airport or to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, both located in Virginia are very well connected with major cities across the United States.

Indian travellers have the option to take connecting flights to Washington Dulles International Airport via the Middle eastern, Atlantic or Pacific carriers.

What is the flight time?

The flight time between New Delhi and Virginia is roughly 15 ½ hours.

At present tourists are a bit reluctant to travel. So, anything innovative or rather attractive tourism strategy VTC has planned for revival of the industry?

Through our WanderLOVEcampaign, we are highlighting the opportunity Virginia provides to discover everything America has to offer easily in one state – from history and culture to an expansive outdoors and an amazing culinary scene. Research tells us that travelers are looking for destinations off-the-beaten path, where there are less people and more outdoor attractions. Virginia offers easy, almost door-to-door access for Indian travelers to the very thing they seek. Withnon-stop flights direct to a world-class airport located at their end destination, visiting Virginia doesn’t require multiple U.S. airport stops and travel through major cities. As iconic American destinations go, there are few more accessible for Indian travelers.

Any timeline being set back to pre-Covid tourism stats?

Given the changing nature of this pandemic, we think it is too early to make that call. Research is saying we should be back to pre-Covid stats in 2023-2024.But we’d love to think that we will begin again to see visitors from India as soon as the borders reopen.

What are the new normal rules that travelers need to ensure before they plan to visit Virginia?

Effective May 28, 2021, Virginia’s universal indoor mask mandate was lifted to align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those guidelines call for all unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask when indoors with people outside their own family members. Unvaccinated individuals must also wear a mask when in outdoor situations where social distancing is not possible. All our attractions are open now at full capacity, or will be soon, and ready to welcome visitors, asking that they follow these CDC guidelines.For current and complete information prior to visiting we encourage travelers to read the COVID-19 updates found on the home page of our website at Virginia.org and to visit the websites of any attractions they plan to visit.

Can non-vaccinated travellers visit Virginia?

At this time there are no specific travel restrictions in place for visitors to Virginia from other destinations within the United States. However, the U.S. borders are closed to all non-essential international travelers as per the U.S. federal government. We look forward to the time when we can once again welcome leisure visitors from overseas.
How about travellers who have taken either both vaccine dose or single dose. Are they eligible to travel free showing their vaccine passport without quarantine?

We will follow the protocol set forth by the CDC and the federal government at which time when one is determined for international visitors.