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Chamber: visitor spending and reach rose sharply in 2024, Chamber highlights Pony Swim on state guide
Summary
Joanne Moore, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, presented the Chamber's 2024 annual report, citing $179.6 million in visitor spending for Accomack County, a reported 5.5 million-person reach from marketing and publicity efforts, growth to 313 chamber members, and new marketing assets including a visitor guide and improved app features.
Joanne Moore, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, presented the Chamber's 2024 annual report to the council on Feb. 3, citing large gains in visitor spending, membership and marketing reach.
Moore said Virginia Tourism Corporation data for Accomack County showed $179,600,000 in visitor spending for 2023 and that the Eastern Shore's visitor spending grew versus prior years. She reported the Chamber's 2024 marketing spend was just over $78,000, which the Chamber estimates produced roughly $328,000 in advertising value, and said the Chamber's combined web, social and earned-media efforts reached about 5.5 million people.
Moore reviewed products and initiatives including an updated, free Chincoteague app (no in-app purchases or ads), consolidation of trolley route information into the app, distribution of an 80,000-copy visitor guide for 2025, a refreshed professional photo library of more than 400 images for marketing and member use, workforce-development events and the Chamber's role in promoting the town's 100th pony swim (Moore noted Pony Swim was selected for a Virginia bridal guide cover).
Council thanked the Chamber for its work. Moore said membership rose to 313 with an 87.2% retention rate and outlined outreach and event plans intended to extend tourism beyond the summer season.
