Life in the time of COVID-19 with Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Rita McClenny

Life in the time of COVID-19 with Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Rita McClenny

This week, Virginia Tourism’s president and CEO took us for a jaunt along the James River in Richmond. She also kindly answered the following questions for us…

What are you reading? 

Running with Giants by John C. Maxwell. He is a fantastic writer, brilliant at deconstructing the power within us and providing advice on how to empower others.

What are you watching? 

Season 3 of Yellowstone on the Paramount Network. I just adore the drama and the weekly unfolding of life on that Montana ranch. The characters are complex and the scenery is stunningly beautiful.

What are you listening to? 

Audra Day. She plays Billy Holiday in the USA vs Billy Holiday on Hulu. She is so talented with a deep rich sound. It’s intoxicating and her sound stays with me.

What are you cooking? 

Not much! I love the Richmond VA restaurant scene and like to support them, now more than ever. No banana bread or pasta for me, LOL!

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally? 

I work out five days a week and take power walks along the James River in Richmond, VA. Not only is it exhilarating but it makes for great people and pet watching.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit? 

The world has connected via virtual platforms, and in some ways, we are actually closer to those far away, and able to address topics of mutual interest that are impacting us all during this global pandemic.

There also seems to have emerged an even deeper appreciation for travel and connecting with loved ones.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis? 

I am now looking at everything with an eye towards simplicity. The little things in my life matter more and are truly cherished – like morning tea, sunrises and sunsets.

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis? 

Let’s stay connected until we meet again in person. The power of technology has been an indispensable resource to keep us engaged.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination? 

Any place I can ride a horse in Virginia is my favourite destination. I truly love to experience a location from horseback.

What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time? 

The iconic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed in Virginia at Mountain Lake Lodge in the Blue Ridge.

One of my all-time favourite travel memories comes from my time in Sydney, sharing and helping recreate that special movie experience one evening for media and operators at our ‘Dirty Dancing’ event. You Aussies certainly know how to have fun!

Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up? 

Both Singapore and Greece are on my list to visit as soon as feasibly possible for exploration, food and adventure.

Latest News

  • Tourism

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]

  • Travel Agents

DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign

DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]

  • Road & Rail

Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern

Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]

  • Tourism

Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips

Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]