LONDON: Virginia’s tourism revenues reached $23 billion in 2015, which is a 2.3 percent increase over 2014, according to a report from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office. The report also said the tourism industry provided $1.6 billion in state and local revenue, which is an increase of 5.6 percent.
In 2015, domestic travelers spent $63 million per day in Virginia. Domestic travel-supported employees in Virginia earned $5.3 billion in payroll income, representing a 3.9 percent increase over 2014. The largest increase in travel expenditures was in the lodging segment with a 7.4% increase compared to 2014.
“Having a strong tourism industry is vital to job creation and economic growth in Virginia,” McAuliffe said. “Travelers are coming to Virginia from across the country and the globe to experience our world-class restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, music festivals, oyster farms, beaches, mountains, and more.”
Maurice Jones, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade said tourism is one of the five largest industries in Virginia. “This report shows that travelers continue to contribute billions of dollars to our economy,” he said. “This revenue stimulates economic growth across the Commonwealth, creating solid, good-paying jobs, helping to improve and grow Virginia communities and maintaining them as best places to live and work in the country.”
