RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Tourism Corporation is planning to award more than $660,000 in grants to 45 tourism initiatives throughout the state.

Gov. Bob McDonnell said Tuesday the marketing grants will help promote local and regional tourism efforts. The groups must match the state grant funds to create marketing projects such as websites, social media and advertisements.

Officials say tourism in Virginia generated $19 billion in revenue in 2010, provided $1.3 billion in state and local taxes and supported more than 200,000 jobs.

Projects receiving grants include promotion for various events such as the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival and the Crooked Road Music Festival, as well as marketing efforts for tourism in places like Galax and Abington.