Larger, Better-Located Center Will Serve Richmond Region Visitors

RICHMOND, Virginia (March 31, 2010) - The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) is pleased to announce the opening of its relocated and revamped Visitor Center at Richmond International Airport (RIC). Now centrally located in the arriving baggage claim area, the new location offers better visibility of the Visitor Center to arriving passengers as they exit the escalator to collect their bags or arrange for ground transportation.

The new Visitor Center is equipped with a four-panel flat-screen display that provides visitors important Richmond Region information. RMCVB news, welcome messages to groups, and weather and breaking news will stream continuously on nearly 50 total sq. ft. of screen. Increased brochure display space will allow for more attractions and restaurants to share content.

"The new and improved Visitor Center opened in mid-March, and since then we have seen a definite increase in traveler inquiries," said RMCVB President and CEO Jack Berry. "We look forward to continuing to provide visitors with top-notch service and hospitality so that every person who flies into Richmond International Airport has an exceptional experience in our exceptional Region."

"Richmond International Airport (RIC) envisions a more visible Visitor Center as a gateway opportunity to promote the many outstanding attributes of the Greater Richmond Region," said airport president & CEO Jon E. Mathiasen, AAE. "The region is well-positioned for continued growth in visitation due to a competitive air fare environment with eight major air carrier groups providing service to RIC, a remarkably upgraded portfolio of affordable hotel options, and the tireless efforts of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB)."

The Visitor Center serves to assist airline travelers upon their arrival in Richmond. Experienced RMCVB travel counselors are on hand seven days a week to assist visitors by answering general questions, giving directions, making hotel reservations and offering travel, dining and entertainment tips about the Historic Richmond Region. The Center's shelves are stocked with Richmond Region Visitors Guides and promotional materials for the Region's more than 70 attractions.

The new and improved Visitor Center at RIC is one of three Visitor Centers operated and staffed by RMCVB. Other locations include the Greater Richmond Convention Center downtown and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Hanover County.

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The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), the official destination marketing and tourism organization for the Richmond Region, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Region to meeting planners, tour operators and leisure travelers.

More than 5.7 million people visit the Richmond Region annually, contributing more than $1.8 billion to the local economy. Tourism generates more than 26,000 jobs in the Richmond Region. For more information, visit www.VisitRichmondVA.com.

Richmond International Airport is the gateway for Virginia's Capital Region and offers more than 180 daily, non-stop flights on Air Canada, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, US Airways and their regional affiliates to 19 domestic and international destinations.

CONTACT:

Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau
Erin Bagnell
804-783-7411
ebagnell@richmondva.org

OR

Richmond International Airport
Troy Bell
(804) 226-3022
tbell@flyrichmond.com