Today is World Tourism Day! 🌎 Tourism is a huge economic driver for Hampton Roads. From the beautiful, sandy shores of Virginia Beach to the centuries of culture that define the Historical Triangle, Hampton Roads is a great place to explore, and there are countless ways to appreciate the beauty of the region. Today, we thank everyone who plays a part in improving our region's quality of life, allowing the tourism industry to flourish. What is your favorite local attraction or site to visit? Tell us in the comments below!
Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin announced today that Alliance Investor Amazon.com will build two world-class facilities and create more than 1,000 new jobs in the City of Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach City Government)! Alliance President and CEO Douglas L. Smith stated “In the past few years, Amazon has truly embraced the Hampton Roads community, opening facilities in multiple locations and quickly becoming one of the region’s major employers. Today’s announcement marks yet another milestone in Amazon’s investment in and dedication to Hampton Roads. The Alliance congratulates Amazon, along with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development on their continued success and thanks them for their commitment to growing the Hampton Roads economy.” Learn more: https://www.vedp.org/press-release/2023-09/amazon-virginiabeach
Hampton Roads Workforce Council hosted their exciting Workforce Innovation Awards last evening at Rivers Casino Portsmouth! 👏 Congratulations to all the winners including Michael Paris, Bureau Manager for Norfolk Economic Development, for being named 2023 Workforce Champion of the Year!
Centrally located along the East Coast of the United States, Hampton Roads is approximately 200 miles south of Washington, D.C. This location provides businesses easy access to major North American markets. 47% of the U.S. population, approximately 128 million consumers, are within one day's drive of Hampton Roads.
Virginia
Hampton Roads is home to over 20% of the Commonwealth of Virginia's 8.5 million citizens. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Hampton Roads is in close proximity to other major population hubs in Virginia including Richmond, Roanoke and Charlottesville.
Hampton Roads
The Alliance represents 10 cities and 4 counties in Hampton Roads MSA. While each of the 14 localities offers its own unique assets, a climate of cooperation and collaboration exist, ensuring the most effective use of resources to meet the needs of our thriving business sector.
An integrated network of Interstate Highways connects Hampton Roads to the major markets of the United States. VEDP reports approximately 128 million consumers are within a ten hour drive of Hampton Roads.
Virginia
Virginia’s highway system includes over 70,000 miles of interstate, primary and secondary roads. The region is connected with the principal north- south Highways – I-85 and I-95 as well as I-64 going west. Routes 58 and route 460 serve as direct connectors to I-85/I-95. Route 13 links the region to the metropolitan area of New York.
Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads is served by over 160 miles of interstate highway, including the 56 mile Hampton Roads Beltway, which traverses seven major cities. The Beltway connects every corner of Hampton Roads to I-64, which links directly to I-95, the major North-South trucking and transportation route. From Hampton Roads, drivers can reach 128 million consumers within a 11 hour drive, and approximately 75% of the population within two days.
At the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Port of Virginia includes Newport News Marine Terminal (NNMT), Virginia International Gateway (VIG), Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) and the future Craney Island. The Port of Virginia features the best natural deep water harbor on the East Coast, with its unobstructed, ice-free harbor, 50-foot channels, and a location only 2.5 hours from open ocean. The Port of Virginia is served by every major shipping line with connections to over 200+ countries around the world.
CSX and Norfolk Southern offer a variety of rail, container-shipping, intermodal, trucking, barge, and contract logistics management services. With over 43,200 miles of track in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces, Hampton Roads is well connected to major inland markets.
Norfolk Southern
CSX and Norfolk Southern offer a variety of rail, container-shipping, intermodal, trucking, barge, and contract logistics management services. With over 43,200 miles of track in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces, Hampton Roads is well connected to major inland markets.
Heartland Corridor
The Heartland Corridor creates the fastest route for double-stacked container trains moving between the Port of Virginia and the Midwest Getaway, by eliminating nearly 250 miles and one day of transit time.
Amtrack
Amtrak is an intercity passenger rail service line which provides an alternative option to driving to and from Hampton Roads. Currently departing from Newport News, Williamsburg and Norfolk, Amtrak connects 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.
Hampton Roads is home to two international airports: Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Newport News – Williamsburg International Airport (PHF). Four major airlines provide non-stop air service to 18 international gateway airports and serve over 3.5 million passengers annually. Both airports are well within a 30-minute commute of most business and residential locations in Hampton Roads.
Virginia
Hampton Roads, Virginia is within a three hour drive of Dulles International and Reagan National airports, both located in Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Dulles is one of the busiest airports in the Mid-Atlantic region, sending over 21 million passengers a year and offers daily flights to over 125 domestic and international destinations. Reagan National, known for its non-stop domestic flights around the US, handles 20 million passengers a year.