Town of Culpeper Receives $10,000 in DRIVE Outdoor Tourism Development Program
May 22, 2024 Updates
CULPEPER, VA (5/22/2024) – Town of Culpeper, Virginia received $10,000through Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) DRIVE Outdoor program, a tourism development grant program targeting outdoor product development and entrepreneurial expansion throughout the Commonwealth.
To meet the consumer demand for outdoor travel, Culpeper Tourism and Town Economic Development departmentwill use awarded funds for outdoor development projects that will have an immediate impact on the area’s outdoor recreation offerings.
The $10,000 will be used to purchase watercraft equipment for Lake Culpeper Adventures (LCA). LCA is a public-private partnership with the Ole Country Story and Bakery, located off Route-29. The Town of Culpeper invested in building a lakeside boathouse in 2020, that is currently running at roughly 50% capacity. Investing the DRIVE Tourism $10,000 in watercraft will directly enhance water access and the visitor experience by increasing the rental capacity in the boathouse.
DRIVE Outdoor builds on VTC’s DRIVE 2.0 Statewide Strategic Plan to enhance outdoor recreational development, assets, and entrepreneurial opportunities within Virginia. Following participation in the program, Culpeper Tourism and Town Economic Development department received the foundation for a competitive outdoor product development plan, including specific action steps, success factors, timelines, priorities, and identified partners to help with project success.
“We are eager for this opportunity to continue the growth of outdoor recreation in our community, one of Culpeper’s leading tourism economic drivers,” stated Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism and Town Economic Development. “With updated product comes improved visitor experiences, encouraging repeat visitation and acting as a catalyst for additional product investment spurring the growth cycle forward. This program will ultimately strengthen our product development efforts.”
“Visitors come to Virginia for its wealth of outdoor recreation experiences that millions of people every year,’ said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The DRIVE Outdoor program will help these communities develop new projects that will attract new and returning visitors wanting an authentic outdoor recreation experience.”
Outdoor recreation has proven to be a recession-proof industry and a driving force in the American economy. In 2022, outdoor recreation contributed $11.3 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy and supported 125,000 jobs and $5.6 billion in wages and salaries in Virginia according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
For more information or to explore more outdoor offerings from Culpeper Tourism, visit visitculpeperva.com. To learn more about VTC’s DRIVE Tourism program, please visit vatc.org/.
About Culpeper Tourism
Tourism is a leading industry in Culpeper, generating $114.4M in total economic impact during 2022. Culpeper Tourism is responsible for promoting Culpeper as an attractive travel destination, enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live, work and visit. Through the impact of travel, we strengthen Culpeper’s economic position, while providing opportunity for our citizens. Learn more at visitculpeperva.com.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
