Virginia is getting back to TV ads in hopes of luring more vacationers from major east coast cities. Local economic development officials believe those ads can boost tourism in the Roanoke Valley. The story from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.

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The state set aside $1 million this year so Virginia could once again produce and air TV spots. They’ll run in cities like Washington and New York. Landon Howard, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, says just the getting state’s name out helps our region.

The latest  commercial focuses on family-oriented sites like Monticello, Williamsburg, amusement parks, and Virginia Beach, but there is  a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Parkway and southwest mountains. And while it is never identified, you see a lot of the humpback covered bridge near Covington, less than 90 minutes from Roanoke.

Click here to see the latest television commercial.