Visitor spending in Virginia hits new all-time high

The tourism industry in Virginia continues to perform strongly, generating a new record for visitor spending of $33.3 billion in 2023 – an increase of nearly 10% from 2022, according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“Travel and tourism play an essential role in Virginia’s economy,” Youngkin said in a statement. “The commonwealth’s record-breaking visitor spending numbers are a testament to our abundance of attractions and unique destinations. As the top state for business, our tourism industry is a crucial part of driving economic prosperity, providing jobs, building vibrant communities, and enhancing the quality of life for all Virginians.”

According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, 224,000 people were directly supported by the tourism industry in 2023, an increase of more than 13,000 jobs compared to 2022. Travelers spent $91 million a day in Virginia in 2023, up from $83 million per day in 2022. Overnight visitation to the state also reached full recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with 43.6 million visitors, up from 42.2 million in 2022.

“The full recovery and growth of all five categories of visitor spending reflects the diverse and dynamic tourism assets that Virginia has to offer. Recreation and transportation, in particular, have seen remarkable increases, driven by a strong preference for unique experiences and the commonwealth’s strategic position as a major transportation hub,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in a statement.

Added Virginia Tourism Corporation President and CEO Rita McClenny: “We are incredibly proud that Virginia’s tourism industry reached unprecedented heights in 2023, with visitor spending hitting a record over $33 billion. This $3 billion increase from 2022 not only surpasses pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 14.7 percent but also underscores the resilience and appeal of our Commonwealth as a premier travel destination.”