Tourists in Virginia spent more in 2022 than they did before the pandemic. Visitor spending generated $30.3 billion last year, a new report from the Virginia Tourism Corporation finds.
Tourism spending expanded 20.3 percent from 2021. It exceeded 2019 levels by 4.4 percent.
“Direct visitor spending impact of $30.3 billion generated a total economic impact of $46.1 billion in Virginia in 2022 including indirect and induced impacts. This total economic impact sustained 303,369 jobs and generated $2.9 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2022,” the report said.
On a daily basis, the state’s 108.4 million visitors spent $83 million, an increase from $69 million in 2021.
According to the governor’s office, the numbers equate to nearly $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenues, up from $1.8 billion in 2021.
While just over 60 percent visited for a day, the number of people staying overnight increased 10 percent to 42.2 million visitors, up from 38.3 million in 2020.
People spent $8.5 billion on food and beverages. That’s 28 percent of all visitor spending. Visitors spent $5.4 billion to fly into Virginia, and another $5.4 billion on lodging.
“We are thrilled to see visitor spending in Virginia return to pre-pandemic numbers,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, in a news release. “The rate of spending recovery and growth proves how resilient Virginia’s tourism industry is. We look forward to seeing increased travel and a continued recovery in 2023.”
Feature image of Virginia Beach boardwalk and hotels, onbilous/stock.adobe.com
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