Government
Richmond Region Tourism saw $2.4 billion in visitor spending in 2017, new data shows
All of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities saw an increase in tourism compared to the previous year, resulting in $25 billion in travel spending statewide.
Data released by the United States Travel Association (US Travel) and commissioned by the Virginia Tourism Corporation reveals that Richmond Region Tourism partner localities – including the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan, the town of Ashland and the city of Richmond – generated more than $2.4 billion in travel spending in 2017, representing a 5.3 percent increase compared to the same timeframe in 2016.
All of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities saw an increase in tourism compared to the previous year, resulting in $25 billion in travel spending statewide. With $916 million in spending, Henrico County ranked fifth in the state for total domestic travel expenditures.
Tourism data for 2017 within the Richmond Region Tourism footprint is listed below:
| Locality | Expenditures | Percent increase compared to 2016 | Payroll | Employment | State Tax Receipts | Local Tax Receipts |
| Chesterfield | $503,645,415 | 5.2% | $99,063,786 | 4,970 | $19,760,004 | $11,241,585 |
| *Hanover | $246,877,526 | 8.2% | $55,430,225 | 2,659 | $9,619,148 | $5,117,268 |
| Henrico | $915,902,960 | 4.1% | $223,708,233 | 8,588 | $34,040,893 | $28,243,462 |
| Powhatan | $9,349,186 | 0.9% | $1,786,319 | 94 | $332,485 | $193,937 |
| Richmond | $761,054,709 | 6.3% | $181,020,237 | 7,405 | $28,343,859 | $26,181,851 |
All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from US Travel and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.
“Tourism continues to play a significant role in the success of the Richmond region,” said Jack Berry, Richmond Region Tourism President & CEO. “The Richmond Region Tourism team works year-round to attract leisure travelers and meetings, conventions and tournaments to the area through cutting-edge marketing and sales. The latest tourism data is a positive sign and reflects the continued growth and appeal of the region.”
Richmond Region Tourism data reveals that hotel and motel sales in partner localities grossed $367,431,751 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018—a 6.2 percent increase over the last fiscal period.
“One of the leading indicators of strong tourism is hotel and motel occupancy, which continues to increase across the region,” said Neil Amin, Richmond Region Tourism board chair and Shamin Hotels CEO. “Development groups are preparing for increased growth with several new hotel projects on the horizon.”
Tourism in the region supported more than 23,700 jobs in 2017 and generated more than $163 million in state and local taxes. Statewide, tourism resulted in 232,000 jobs and $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.
“Virginia’s tourism industry is an important diversifier for our economy as it continues to grow and flourish in multiple regions of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “Travelers are coming to Virginia from across the country and the globe to experience our rich historic attractions, unmatched outdoor recreation offerings, eight oyster regions, world-class food and craft beverages, beautiful landscapes, and exciting arts and culture. These visitors are spending millions of dollars a day, injecting critical funds back into our community coffers and helping to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
New report shows recent tourist spending in Henrico surpassed $915 million
