Virginia Touts Local Impact from Tourism Records

Visitors fill hotel rooms, eat at restaurants, and shop locally when on vacation, but the impact trickles down to full-time residents. The Virginia Tourism Corporation reiterated that point when framing its record-setting 2025 tourism statistics.

Breaking down the key numbers, travelers help save an average of $1,200 in state and local taxes, noted Governor Abigail Spanberger. Additionally, tourism was responsible for 231,850 jobs for Virginians.

“These record-breaking results demonstrate that tourism remains one of Virginia’s strongest economic drivers,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “When visitors choose Virginia, they’re supporting entrepreneurs, artisans, small businesses, and employers in every region of the Commonwealth. The impact of tourism extends far beyond hotels and attractions, with visitor spending supporting internationally-recognized assets in communities of all sizes — from Main Street merchants and retailers to restaurants, wineries, breweries, museums, and outdoor experiences. Together, these businesses help make tourism an essential contributor to Virginia’s diverse economy.”

According to the recently released report from Tourism Economics and the Commonwealth’s statewide marketing organization, Virginia welcomed a record 46.6 million domestic and international overnight visitors. That's an increase of nearly one million visitors and the second consecutive year of record visitation. Visitors spent $99 million per day in Virginia, up from $96 million the previous year.

Not surprisingly, dining, recreation, and other experience-based spending were instrumental in driving visitor spending, which increased by 3.1% ($1.1 billion) to a record-high $36.2 billion. It was the fourth straight year visitor spending has increased since the COVID pandemic stifled travel across the country.

Virginia Beach biking.

Central Virginia led the state in hotel demand growth followed by the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Mountains. Increases in Staunton/Harrisonburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Charlottesville were also noticeable.

President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny expects more good news in next year’s report: “With our hotel performance already outpacing the nation in 2026, we’re building on this momentum and looking forward to another strong year for Virginia tourism,” McClenny said.

Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation