[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20692]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE ALEXANDRIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS ASSOCIATION ON THEIR 
                            10TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association for its 
10 years of outstanding and dedicated service to the Alexandria 
community. The Association was established as, and remains, the City of 
Alexandria's official marketing agency for tourism on what is known as 
``The Fun Side of the Potomac.''
  Since ACVA's founding in 1996, annual tourism spending in Alexandria 
has more than doubled to over $600 million, and the city's annual 
revenue from tourism has increased similarly. The direct marketing 
program created by ACVA has yielded a 58-to-1 return for the city, a 
number that continues to grow today.
  Alexandria's tourism industry employs over 9,000 people who work in 
the city's hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail shops and related 
tourism businesses. The tourism industry has helped improve the overall 
quality of life of all citizens of Alexandria, who enjoy the same 
amenities enjoyed by visitors to the city.
  I am proud of the accomplishments of the Alexandria Convention and 
Visitors Association and the contributions it has made over the last 10 
years making the City of Alexandria one of the most desirable places in 
America to visit. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
the ACVA on its anniversary and to wish the organization all the best 
in its future endeavors.

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