Governor Glenn Youngkin's addresses the crowd at the site of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions's incoming Spotsylvania location, which will be the site of the 2026 VA1 Governor's Tousism Summit.
SPOTSYLVANIA, VA – The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) and Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) are proud to announce that the 2026 VA1 Governor’s Tourism Summit will take place at the highly-anticipated Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Virginia. Scheduled for November 18–20, 2026, the event will be the first major conference held at the new resort, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the future of hospitality in the Commonwealth.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the 2026 VA1 Governor’s Tourism Summit to the new Kalahari in Virginia,” says Eric Terry, President of VRLTA. “This prominent new venue will help us elevate the experience for attendees and shine a spotlight on the continued growth of travel and hospitality across the state.”
As Virginia’s premier tourism and hospitality conference, VA1 brings together over 500 tourism professionals and leaders from across the industry. Featuring an array of tourism marketing and development sessions designed to help maximize Virginia’s potential as a travel destination, the annual conference presents an opportunity to showcase the anticipated addition to Virginia’s hospitality portfolio.
"Kalahari's Virginia debut next fall will be a landmark moment for our tourism industry, and a shining example of the bold, forward-thinking investments that are transforming our Commonwealth into an even more dynamic destination,” says Rita McClenny, President and CEO of VTC. “With its impressive setting and spirit of hospitality, Kalahari will provide the perfect backdrop to celebrate our industry and spark new ideas for welcoming travelers to Virginia."
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Spotsylvania will feature 907 guest rooms and suites, 175,000 square feet of convention space, and be home to the Mid Atlantic’s largest indoor waterpark, all under one roof. Its selection as the host site for the 2026 VA1 Governor’s Tourism Summit reflects a strong partnership with Virginia’s tourism industry and a shared commitment to driving travel and economic growth across the Commonwealth. Designed to welcome both families and corporate groups year-round, the resort is expected to be a major tourism driver and a standout destination for exception dining, meetings, events, and unforgettable getaways.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the VA1 Governor’s Tourism Summit as our very first group event in Virginia,” says Gino Marasco, Vice President of Sales at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “It’s the perfect way to kick things off, bringing together the leaders who shape travel and tourism across the state. We’re looking forward to showing everyone what makes Kalahari such a unique and energizing place to meet, connect, and celebrate the industry.”
More details on registration, speakers, and programming for the 2026 VA1 Governor’s Tourism Summit will be announced early next year. To stay up-to-date on all things related to the VA1 visit www.va1tourismsummit.org to learn more.
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The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association is the unified voice of the restaurant, lodging, travel and hospitality suppliers associations. VRLTA creates value for members by promoting the legislative interests of the industry, networking, educational opportunities, and protecting free enterprise. For more information, visit www.vrlta.org or call 800-552-2225.
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, Round Rock, Texas, and opening soon in Spotsylvania, Virginia, deliver a beyond-expectations waterpark resort and conference experience all under one roof. The African-inspired Kalahari Resorts, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks. Todd and Shari Nelson, the founders of Kalahari Resorts, were honored with an induction into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2023. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari, a fun-filled family entertainment center, on-site signature restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art convention center. For more information, members of the media are encouraged to visit kalaharimedia.com.