Off-Season Boost: Two Page County Businesses Awarded Virginia Tourism Grants
PAGE COUNTY, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that 104 tourism programs across the state will receive matching-grant funds to boost the period between peak and off-peak season travel in the Commonwealth.
The $627,877 total in awards is funded through the following Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) programs:
The Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program – Helps small tourism-related businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees amplify marketing efforts during the shoulder season (September to May).
The Vacation Starts with VA DMO MMLP Co-op Program – Supports destination marketing organizations in executing targeted, research-driven campaigns using VTC’s flagship Vacation Starts with VA brand and toolkit.
The VA250 Tourism Marketing Program – Builds awareness for the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence by promoting Virginia’s unmatched cultural and historical legacy under the theme America: Made in Virginia.
“From small towns to big cities, and from outdoor recreation to cultural and historic treasures, these programs will showcase the very best of Virginia,” said Youngkin.
Local partners committed more than $729,992 to match the VTC grant funding, generating more than $1.3 million in new marketing initiatives.
Two of the grant recipients are located in Page County.
Daughter of the Stars Theater in Stanley was awarded $4,592.65 (with a $5,407.70 match) via the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (“Where History Lives – the Shenandoah Valley Weekend Getaway Campaign”).
Shadow Mountain Escape in Luray was awarded $5,000 (with a $7,670.00 match) via the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (“Wine, Music and More along the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop”).
“We are thrilled to be on the list to receive this microbusiness grant,” said Karen Riddle, who owns Shadow Mountain Escape with her husband, Ralph. “This grant will give us an opportunity to print additional brochures and promote our Wine, Music and More events to tourists seeking an amazing itinerary.”
A full list of recipients for all three grant programs may be found HERE.
“As we build toward the VA250 commemoration, we have a unique opportunity to share Virginia’s history, natural beauty, culinary excellence, and craft beverage traditions with visitors from across the nation and around the world,” said Youngkin.
VTC will open additional marketing grant programs on a quarterly basis in 2026.
Organizations and businesses interested in applying for these grant opportunities should visit vatc.org/grants for more information.