Gov. Timothy M. Kaine today celebrated the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan’s induction into the National Advertising Walk of Fame this week. The honor coincides with the 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers. Launched in 1969, Virginia is for Lovers is America’s longest-running state tourism slogan.
“We’ve always felt that Virginia is for Lovers is a powerful tourism slogan and this competition proves it,” Kaine said. “After 40 years, Virginia is for Lovers continues to represent a beautiful state and a premier travel destination.”
Virginia is for Lovers will hold a permanent position on Madison Avenue and will be recognized in the Advertising Icon Museum, forever establishing it as a fixture in American popular culture. Virginia tourism officials presented the honor to Governor Kaine today at a celebration at the State Capitol.
Virginia is for Lovers was one of nearly 30 slogans nominated for this year’s Walk of Fame class. The state faced stiff competition from slogans including: I Want My MTV (MTV Networks), I’m Loving It (McDonalds), Just Do It (Nike), What Happens Here, Stays Here (City of Las Vegas) and I Love New York (City of New York).
“The fact that people voted Virginia is for Lovers into this ‘who’s who’ of marketing is an honor and a testament to the staying power of great marketing,” said Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “At its core, Virginia is for Lovers represents a love of life and a passion for travel and we invite people to visit Virginia and experience that in person.”
Virginia is for Lovers was honored at a ceremony in New York on September 21. The honor comes on the heels of Forbes.com naming Virginia is for Lovers one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time.
Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $19.2 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and generating $1.28 billion in state and local taxes in 2008.
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