CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Virginia’s tourism industry generated a record high $35.1 billion in visitor spending in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from $33.3 billion in 2023, according to Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Overnight visitation to Virginia increased by over one million people to 44.7 million visitors in 2024, up from 43.6 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time and 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,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in a statement released by his office. “Those visitors traveled from farther away, stayed longer, and spent more, generating a record $35.1 billion in direct spending. This unprecedented level of economic activity not only supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthens local businesses, but it also generates crucial state and local tax revenues that help ease the tax burden for Virginia families. When visitors choose Virginia, they’re not just taking a trip, they’re investing in our economy, our workforce, and our future.”
Travelers spent $96 million per day in Virginia in 2024, up from $91 million in 2023. That brings direct travel employment to 95% of pre-pandemic employment levels.
Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from Tourism Economics. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips. Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. Detailed economic impact data and methodology are available at vatc.org/research.
