RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin, alongside the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), announced Tuesday the Virginia tourism industry generated $35.1 billion in visitor spending in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year.
Overnight visitation increased in the commonwealth by over a million in 2024 as well, setting a new record and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
“In 2024, a record-breaking one million additional overnight visitors chose Virginia, drawn by our unmatched beauty, rich heritage, and welcoming communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Those visitors traveled from farther away, stayed longer, and spent more, generating a record $35.1 billion in direct spending.”
Travelers in Virginia spent $96 million per day in the state, a $5 million increase from 2023. The increase in tourism spending supported over 229,000 jobs in 2024, 5,000 more than last year.
“Tourism is more than just an economic driver, it plays a foundational role in sustaining Virginia’s workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “In fact, one out of every four restaurant jobs and one out of every four recreation sector jobs in the Commonwealth are entirely supported by visitor spending.”
10 On Your Side’s Michael Rinker spoke with David Cheatley, who is visiting from Philadelphia.
“I love being on the beach, the beach is always kept nice and clean,” Cheatley said. “I love sitting on the beach. I also love the food. The seafood is unbelievable. We did Busch Gardens on Tuesday, we love it. It was our sons birthday so that was his present. Even brought the in-laws with us.”
Another family visiting from Pittsburg said they had to see one iconic part of the boardwalk.
“My wife wanted to see Neptune, so we are are staying at the Hilton,” Edric Tolentino said. “We were staying way down there, but now we are staying on this side just to see Neptune.”
One person visiting from Fredereicksburg said coming down to the beach brings back great memories.
“It’s kind of like reconnecting with my college years because I went to ODU, so it’s like a second home to me,” Sabrina Vaz-Holder said. “I love the culture, it’s just different than most beaches I’ve been to, it’s just chill.”
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