Virginia shows North Carolina how it’s done with LGBT tourism campaign

The Governor of Virginia wants you to know that they’re nothing like North Carolina.

26th September 2016 by Daniel Megarry

 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

Several US states have come under fire for introducing anti-trans ‘bathroom bills’ over the last year, including North Carolina, whose controversial HB2 law effectively makes discrimination against LGBT people legal.

While those states have suffered a fall in tourism and loss of big business – including PayPal’s scrapped plans for expansion in North Carolina – one state is taking the opportunity to snatch up the pink pound.

Democrat Terry McAuliffe, the Governor of Virginia, has taken the opposite road to his neighbouring state of North Carolina, and released a positive video welcoming all LGBT tourists to visit them.

He said: “Virginia is proud to be an open and welcoming destination for every visitor attracted by our scenic mountains and beaches, as well as our world-renowned restaurants, wineries and breweries.

“I am pleased the Virginia Tourism Corporation has created this landing page to connect travellers with inclusive, LGBT-friendly establishments across the Commonwealth.
“Virginia is truly for lovers, and we hope you have an unforgettable experience visiting the greatest state in the greatest nation on Earth!”

It comes as part of a new campaign by the Virginia Tourism Corp. to market the state to LGBT travellers, allowing businesses such as hotels and wedding venues to designate themselves LGBT-friendly on the tourism website.

The tourism board have also introduced an update on the classic Virginia Is For Lovers logo, replacing the red heart in ‘lovers’ with a rainbow-coloured heart to represent LGBT pride.

Watch Governor McAuliffe’s video message below.

 For more information on Virginia’s new LGBT tourism campaign visit virginia.org/lgbt

 Read more articles from Gay Times, here.