Tourists visiting Virginia last year generated a record-setting $22-billion in revenue. That’s according to the latest state numbers, which also indicate that the tourism industry has become the fifth-largest private employer in the state. State officials say the Commonwealth’s global exposure will soon grow even more.
Governor McAuliffe says 40 million tourists visited Virginia last year, and they also generated $1.5 billion in revenue at the local level. He says not only were visitors drawn to the traditional historic sites, beaches, mountains, and parks, but to the burgeoning culinary industry, which state officials have aggressively promoted worldwide.
“These travelers are coming to Virginia to experience our award-winning wine, craft beer, cider, and spirits, as well as to taste dishes prepared by our great chefs that are gaining notoriety all over the world for our top-notch dining.”
The Governor said a new attraction is also coming in September—as Virginia hosts the UCI Road World Championship bike races, which will draw nearly half a million spectators.
“Three hundred million people will watch this bike race around the globe—in Asia and in Europe. So think about that, folks: three hundred million people for nine days, tuning in to Virginia. What a great opportunity for us.”
Tourism employment also increased—to an estimated 216,000 jobs last year.
