Press Releases

Alexandria’s popular Free King Street Trolley service gets clean and green with the launch of an all-new fleet of hybrid trolleys on April 22, 2012. With 20 stops for hopping on and off, the free trolley system improves Alexandria’s attractiveness and accessibility for consumers to spend money at local businesses, generating tax revenue for the City which supports the quality of life for residents...more

Kimpton’s Morrison House has earned a coveted spot on TripAdvisor’s 2012 list of the Top 25 Hotels in the United States – the only hotel in the Mid-Atlantic Region to be recognized with this honor. The 45-room boutique earned additional recognition for its stellar hotel service from TripAdvisor, as one of the Top 10 Hotels for Service in the United States for the second year running...more

Thousands will join in the revelry for the 280th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the largest George Washington birthday parade in the country, free admission to historic sites, 18th-century dance classes, popular walking tours, and even a Cherry-themed challenge among local restaurants...more

January 13-22, 2012. 60 restaurants offer a $35 prix-fixe three-course dinner or $35 dinner for two. Savor the flavors of Alexandria’s distinctive collection of eateries, from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites...more

A mega mix of live musical acts and entertainment with 100 performances at 18 indoor venues throughout Old Town, plus the Third Annual Fun Hunt, children's face painting and games, and a laser light multimedia finale at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, where 6,000 balls will drop on revelers at midnight...more

Alexandria is rolling out the red carpet for shoppers on Black Friday with free parking at meters and in City-owned garages and parking lots, plus early bird hours and deep discounts at dozens of locally owned stores...more

Alexandria's harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Festivities begin at the Alexandria City Marina behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 4 p.m. with live performances and Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m...more

The American Planning Association (APA) announced the designation of King Street as one of 10 Great Streets for 2011 under the organization's Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value...more

September 10-11, 2011. For two days King Street from Washington Street to the waterfront is transformed into an outdoor art gallery with original fine artwork by over 200 artists from the US and abroad. Find paintings, life size sculptures, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collage, and more. The “Alexandria Art Experience” features artist-led, hands-on, creative activities, and an Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser, presented by The Art League and the Torpedo Factory Art Center...more

With dozens of art events throughout the fall, Alexandria’s Fall Arts Jubilee is a true celebration of the arts – and a delightful time to enjoy the town voted ‘Third Best Arts Destination Among Mid-Size Cities’ by AmericanStyle magazine readers...more

With fanfare on historic Market Square, the city announced that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Alexandria to the list of 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city earned this prestigious designation for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history. From February 15 to March 15, Alexandria competes to win Fan Favorite at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd..more

The new VisitAlexandriaVA.com was unveiled to over 100 attendees at this year's Summit. Keynote speakers included the Elizabeth McLaughlin, Vice President of Research for Virginia Tourism Corporation and Alexandria City Mayor William D. Euille. Breakout sessions covered topics such as TripAdvisor, working with the press, social media, and hotel sales...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announced it has selected industry-leader aRes Travel Inc. to provide the technology for online hotel reservations. With this technology, VisitAlexandriaVA.com’s booking engine will for the first time offer ticketing for attractions and activities...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (ACVA) announced that President and CEO Stephanie Pace Brown will be leaving in June to head the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau in Asheville, North Carolina. Brown has been Alexandria's top tourism official since 2007. During her tenure, visitor spending has increased 17 percent -- more than doubling the average growth in Virginia and neighboring jurisdictions...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association reports a $4 to $1 return on investment to the City of Alexandria in tax revenue for their full page magazine advertising campaign. Visitor spending jumped 16.8% in a period when visitor spending increased an average of 7% in Virginia, dramatically outpacing regional neighborhoods...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announces visitor spending in Alexandria increased 6.7 percent in 2010 to total $657 million, generating city tax revenue of $22.4 million, an increase of 4 percent. Visitors to the city support nearly 6,000 jobs with a payroll of $114 million, up 3 percent from 2009. The number of room nights sold continues to increase – up more than 25,000 in 2010 – on top of the 65,000 room night increase in 2009...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association celebrated Alexandria’s hotel industry and its contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria at the annual ACVA Summer Social on June 16, 2011. The hotel industry is one of Alexandria’s biggest employers and generates $22 million in tax revenue for the City, including property taxes...more

Alexandria’s tourism community learned how to tap into — and increase — Alexandria's $616 million in annual visitor spending from experts in news media, e-marketing, social media, and hotel sales. Mayor Euille announced that City Council has increased their investment in tourism sales and marketing by almost $400,000 in the fiscal year 2012 budget...more

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Alexandria to the list of 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city was selected for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history. From February 15 to March 15, Alexandria will participate in a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd..more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announces visitor spending topped $616 million and overnight stays increased by 66,000 room nights in calendar year 2009. Visitor spending generated $22 million in City tax revenue and supported 6,000 jobs with a payroll of $111 million in 2009...more

Over the last two years, $388 million has been invested in the construction of new hotels as well as renovations and upgrades at existing properties in Alexandria, Virginia. This investment provides enhanced offerings and amenities for both business and leisure traveler...more

Alexandria welcomes motorcoaches with free parking options and user-friendly resources. Motorcoach parking in historic Old Town Alexandria requires a free parking permit that can be obtained through online registration. Additional free, unreserved parking locations are available within three miles of Old Town. Paid short-term and long-term parking are also available...more

The historic seaport is focused on food as it bustles with vibrant culinary creations from the industry's top chefs...more