New ‘Visit Hanover VA’ iniative to strengthen local economy, regional tourism

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A new initiative looks to strengthen local tourism by allowing visitors to explore stories of Hanover County people, places and experiences.

The county has launched "Visit Hanover VA," an effort to support local engagement and regional tourism growth by amplifying Hanover County's identity. Branding Hanover a destination "Ripe for Discovery," the campaign highlights community happenings, local businesses and regional assets.

“Visit Hanover VA is an exciting step forward in telling Hanover County’s story and
strengthening our local economy,” said county administrator John A. Budesky in a release. “By
elevating our visibility as a destination, we’re supporting local businesses,
celebrating our roots and inviting more people to experience everything that
makes Hanover special."

The initiative is driven by four pillars: history, outdoor recreation, agritourism and events. Its focuses include attracting visitors, expanding foot traffic and visitation and increasing tourism-based spending. The effort will also track metrics such as hotel stays.

As part of the campaign, county officials announced the first-ever "Stop, Stay a While!" -- which looks to capture the attention of travelers passing through the region -- and the 2026 Hanover Family Passport as a guide to local farms, historic sites and regional destinations.

The new "Visit Hanover VA" website features interactive maps, a community-wide events calendar and a companion mobile app to discover attractions and plan itineraries around Hanover. Explore Visit Hanover VA for more information.