Rita D. McClenny, President and Chief Executive Officer Virginia Tourism Corporation to visit for Festival’s 100th Anniversary

​President of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, Sharen Gromling, has had local/regional and the Virginia connection as a focus for guests of the 96th and 97th Festival.  Gromling is extremely delighted to announce Rita D. McClenny, president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) will be visiting the Festival’s 100th Anniversary celebration.
 
A native Virginian, Ms. McClenny received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Fisk University. She was born and raised in Southampton County and presently resides in the City of Richmond.
 
Under Rita’s leadership tourism has grown 5% year-over-year and the agency has received several industry awards: among them U.S. Travel Association’s Mercury Award and Afar Magazine’s Distinguished Destination Award. Rita has been recognized as a Virginia Business Top 500 Leader in the Commonwealth three years in a row (2021- 2023).
 
Tourism and film are instant revenue generators for Virginia. In 2022, tourism in Virginia generated $30 billion in direct spending, supported more than 210,000 jobs, and provided $2.2 billion in state and local taxes. Virginia was named a top state to both vacation and retire in 2023.
 
The mission of VTC is to expand domestic and international in-bound travel and motion picture production to generate revenue and employment in Virginia. The Festival is grateful for the benefits from a strong relationship with VTC through cross promotions and grants.
 
Ms. McClenny will be attending Festival events and riding in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4, which steps off at 1:30 p.m.

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