[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 116 (Monday, July 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISIT FAIRFAX

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th 
Anniversary of Visit Fairfax.
  Visit Fairfax, established in July 2004, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit 
organization that works in conjunction with their stakeholders to 
distinguish Fairfax County as a premier tourist destination. Their 
mission is to promote, market, and sell Fairfax County as a year-round 
destination for visitors from all market segments including all 
business travel, leisure, and sports travel.
  Tourism is a proven economic development strategy for Fairfax County, 
bringing in over $3.3 billion annually. Within the entire Commonwealth 
of Virginia, Fairfax County is the third largest contributor of 
expenditures to Virginia's tourism industry. In 2022, visitors to 
Fairfax County directly supported approximately 22,000 local jobs. 
While the majority of these jobs were in the leisure and hospitality 
industries--accommodations, food service, arts, entertainment and 
recreation--tourism impacts a multitude of businesses and crosses 
numerous industries.
  Those figures are largely due to the work of the talented tourism 
professionals at Visit Fairfax. Based on the principles of partnership, 
cooperation and mutually beneficial alliances, their program of work is 
managed by objectives, and accountable for tangible, measurable results 
ensuring a significant Return on Investment.
  Staff of Visit Fairfax work tirelessly to achieve the mission of the 
organization throughout the county. This includes sales calls, trade 
and travel shows, and one-on-one appointments with hospitality partners 
to increase leisure travel to Fairfax County. They also have to work 
closely and proactively with meeting planners and event coordinators to 
bring groups and organizations to Fairfax County, and they actively 
pursue adult and youth sporting events and activities to maximize the 
usage of local sports facilities.
  Behind the scenes, staff from Visit Fairfax compile events and 
attractions, update information on restaurants and hotels, and much 
more to create a comprehensive database for those visiting Fairfax 
County, as well as residents looking to make the most of their 
community. With countless activities going on year-round, it is no 
small undertaking to have everything accessible and organized. Visit 
Fairfax's website also includes tools that allow people to plan a trip 
to Fairfax County and has potential itineraries for everyone. These 
resources make it easier for people to access all that Fairfax County 
has to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Visit Fairfax on their 20th Anniversary. 
This milestone would not have been achieved without the dedication of 
the staff and Board of Directors of the organization. Fairfax County is 
an incredible place to live, work, and play, and thanks to Visit 
Fairfax, our residents and visitors have the chance to see that for 
themselves. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this 
organization and wishing them the best for their next 20 years.

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