Statewide tourism generated $24 billion in travel spending
According to the U.S. Travel Association, tourism was once again an important contributor to the economy of Virginia, and to the City of Newport News, last year. In 2016 revenue from tourism reached $295.68 million in the city, a 4 percent increase over the prior year. It also supported 3,013 jobs here, a 3.4 percent increase.
As an economic engine, tourism in Newport News produced $10.25 million in local taxes, a 6 percent increase, and $12.7 million in state taxes, a 5.9 percent increase, over 2015 figures. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, tourism generated $24 billion in travel spending, supported 230,000 jobs, and provided $1.7 billion in state and local taxes. Figures were based on spending by travelers from within the United States on trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. The Virginia Tourism Corporation attributes the increase in revenue to tourism development, such as new hotels and restaurants and the growth of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries throughout the state.
The travel industry is the fifth largest private employer in Virginia. Among the 50 states in the union and Washington, D.C., the Commonwealth of Virginia ranks 9th in domestic traveler spending. Of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities, 44 received more than $100 million in domestic travel expenditures in 2016. Also, 43 counties and independent cities have 1,000 or more jobs that were directly supported by domestic travelers during 2016.
For a video summarizing Virginia’s record-breaking year,
click here. For more information about Tourism in Newport News visit the Tourism website at
www.newport-news.org.