There are a lot of tourism-related business opportunities, a representative of the Virginia Tourism Corporation said during a workshop last Thursday in Gloucester.

Speaking to a small group of business leaders at Whitcomb Lodge in Beaverdam Park, Sandra F. Tanner, tourism development specialist for VTC, first asked the businessmen if they represent a business supported by tourism. Among tourism business opportunities are canoe rentals and tours, wineries/vineyards, tea rooms, campgrounds, heritage sites, shopping and others, she said.

In addition, lots of ancillary businesses can tap into the tourism market, Tanner said, ranging from food/drink distributors and plumbers to doggy daycare, shuttle services and car rentals.

"Tourism is small business," Tanner said, as 98 percent of Virginia’s economy is small businesses, many having 25 or fewer workers. VTC’s mission statement is to bring more people to Virginia, get them staying in the state longer, and spending more ...