October 15, 2019
Shenandoah Valley VA – Data released by the United States Travel Association (USTA) reveals the Shenandoah Valley posted a 2018 increase in tourism revenue.
Tourism was once again a critical contributor to the local economy. The Shenandoah Valley Region of Virginia generated $1.524 billion in direct visitor spending – a 5.0% increase over 2017. Local city, county and state taxes combined reached $109.4 million. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 13,871 with local tourism-related income and paychecks equaling $290.2 million.
All USTA data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and is based on domestic U.S. visitor spending from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.
“Virginia’s tourism industry had a banner year in 2018, hitting new records and making important impacts on our communities across the Commonwealth,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers and the tourism industry’s continued growth this year, we also celebrate the people who impact and influence our communities with their vision, passion, and love for the tourism industry. Our industry is made up of creative, hard-working, and dedicated professionals, and they work every day to make our communities more vibrant and dynamic.
They help to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and visit, and are our most powerful ambassadors for Virginia is for Lovers.”
The Shenandoah Valley, spanning from Winchester and Frederick County down to Lexington and Rockbridge County, is approximately 140 miles long with the Blue Ridge to the east and the Alleghenies to the west. Well-known as a peaceful and scenic destination, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley also offers world-class outdoor adventures, scenic roads, authentic mountain towns, rich agricultural products coupled with farm-to-table dining, underground caverns, fascinating historic sites and unique lodging.
“Tourism is fundamental to the Valley’s economic development efforts. Tourism assets are the same assets that are quality of life amenities for our citizens,” said Jay Langston, executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership, an economic development marketing organization. “The amenities are the same ones that help attract new citizens and the companies they represent to the Valley. It is part of our strategic plan to work with our tourism partners to grow our economy. The impact of tourism’s success, leads to the Shenandoah Valley Partnership’s success.”
About the Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership: The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership is a professional collaboration among 11 marketing partners representing destinations from Winchester to Lexington, and its shared goal is to promote the region as an outstanding year-round destination. To begin planning your visit and to learn more about these sites and all the adventures that await you in the Shenandoah Valley, please check out www.virginiasshenandoahvalley.com.
Contact: Justin Kerns, Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership Justin.Kerns@visitwinchesterva.com
(540) 542-1326