Richmond region pulled in 19.1 million visitors last year, with overnight stays leading the charge

Richmond’s tourism economy had a good year. A really good year, actually.

The region welcomed 19.1 million visitors in 2025, up 4.3% from the year before. That’s roughly 800,000 more people checking out everything from Civil War battlefields to the city’s restaurant scene. Richmond Region Tourism announced the figures on May 14 during its Annual Meeting & Awards.

Overnight stays drove much of the growth. The region logged 7.3 million overnight trips last year, a 5.5% jump over 2024, and hotels outperformed both national and Virginia occupancy rates in 11 of 12 months.

“Tourism continues to play a vital role in strengthening our regional economy,” said Katherine O’Donnell, president and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. “What makes the Richmond Region truly unique is the diversity of experiences we can offer across our urban, suburban and rural communities. That distinct mix is helping us attract new visitors, secure more meetings and events, and elevate our profile as a premier destination.”

Tourism officials credit a few things for the lift: year-round marketing and sales work funded through the Tourism Improvement District, a growing sports tourism market, and the region’s steady appeal as a destination for visiting friends and family. Visitor spending numbers are expected in the fall.

Industry honors go to retiring leaders and longtime venues

The Annual Meeting also doubled as the region’s hospitality awards ceremony, with the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recognizing professionals and organizations across the industry.

Dr. Joe Casey, the retiring Chesterfield County administrator, received the Jack Berry Tourism Impact Award, presented by Colonial Downs Racetrack. Dr. Lacette Cross, outgoing executive director of Diversity Richmond, took home the Chairman’s Award.

St. John’s Church was named Attraction of the Year, an award presented by Kings Dominion & Soak City. Altria Theater earned Partner of the Year honors from Richmond Times-Dispatch, Lee Enterprises and Virginia Video Network. Richmond Volleyball Club won the MVP Sports Award presented by 288 Travel.

Hanover Tavern Restaurant and Pub was recognized as Restaurant of the Year, while The Westin Richmond took Hotel of the Year honors from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association. Richmond Raceway claimed Event of the Year.

Two individual awards went to Mary Lauderdale, Director of Curatorial Services at The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, who received the Tourism Leadership Award presented by Shamin Hotels, and Sean Hackney, a shuttle driver at Omni Richmond Hotel, who received the Customer Service Award presented by Richmond International Airport.

Scholarships named for two leaders the region recently lost

The RRT Foundation also awarded $2,000 scholarships to two students pursuing hospitality careers, both attending Virginia State University. This year, the foundation renamed the scholarships in honor of two prominent regional leaders who recently passed away.

Simone Henderson received the William “Bill” Martin Tourism Scholarship, and Tiani Roberts received the James “Jim” Holland Hospitality Scholarship.

More information about the foundation is available at visitrichmondva.com/rrt-foundation.