Virginia’s tourism spending sees record-setting number of $35 billion in 2024

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) have announced that Virginia tourism has set a record high in visitor spending in 2024.

According to a release shared by the governor's office on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Commonwealth set a record for visitor spending in 2024, with $35.1 billion -- a 5.4% increase from $33.3 million in 2023.

Overnight visitation to Virginia increased by over 1 million to 44.7 million visitors in 2024, which is up from 43.6 million in 2023, according to the governor's office. This has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers for the first time setting a new record.

“In 2024, a record-breaking one million additional overnight visitors chose Virginia, drawn by our unmatched beauty, rich heritage, and welcoming communities,” Youngkin said. "Those visitors traveled from farther away, stayed longer, and spent more, generating a record $35.1 billion in direct spending."

Virginia also saw an increase in dollars spent per day by travelers. In 2023, travelers spent $91 million per day in Virginia. In 2024, that number climbed to $96 million per day. The governor's office also noted a drive in $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue -- an increase of $100 million from 2023.

According to Youngkin and VTC, this has led to every Virginia household saving $990 annually on state and local taxes due to the revenue generated by visitors.

Reports from VTC and Youngkin also revealed that the tourism industry in Virginia directly supported over 229,000 jobs in 2024, an increase of nearly 5,000 jobs compared to 2023. Direct travel employment is now at 95% of pre-pandemic employment levels.

"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," Segura continued.

Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled over 50 miles to the destination, according to Youngkin and VTC.