Supporting tourism is vital for Virginia economy
This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) is a time when the tourism industry gathers to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses, communities and personal well-being. This year’s theme is “The Future of Travel.” Here in Virginia, our future is bright: we are open for business and ready to show travelers why Virginia is for Lovers.
Since his first day in office a little more than 100 days ago, Gov. Glenn Youngkin made reopening Virginia and revitalizing the tourism industry in the commonwealth a core focus of his administration. While the pandemic had a devastating impact on tourism in Virginia, this hardy and resilient industry is quickly returning to a robust, dynamic economic engine.
As you are getting back to traveling with friends and loved ones, we invite you to explore breathtaking destinations and new experiences throughout the commonwealth.
Virginia is blessed with an abundance of diverse natural resources. From the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay to the majestic Blue Ridge and rugged Appalachian mountains, Virginia is a world-renowned four-season destination offering a wide variety of approachable outdoor activities for every skill level and interest.
Follow nature’s lead along the thousands of miles of hiking trails in Virginia or become one with the current on our many waterways. Take in a spectacular sunrise at the summit of a trail in Shenandoah National Park, learn how to surf in Virginia Beach, reel in a fish on a kayak in the Chesapeake Bay or cruise down the Virginia Creeper Trail on your bike. The commonwealth’s abundant natural resources offer some of the most beautiful places in the world for travelers to get outside, slow down, and connect with nature and each other.
We have more than 200 breweries and cideries, 300 wineries and more than 60 distilleries to complement inspired culinary delights crafted by award-winning chefs and restaurants featuring Virginia’s heirloom grains and vegetables, heritage meats, savory cheeses and our signature Virginia oysters.
Virginia is an American history icon — with hundreds of sites across the state that date back to the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown and cover every important period of American history. Find poignant truths and inspiration at Fort Monroe National Monument, delight your children by traveling back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, learn about the roots of American music on the Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail or marvel at the architectural designs of one of the eight estates of former U.S. presidents. You will discover more than American history; you will find you are part of it.
Tourism is also an economic driver. In 2020, visitors to the commonwealth spent $47 million per day, resulting in
$17.5 billion of spending throughout the commonwealth, supporting more than 255,000 jobs and contributing more than $2 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Since day one, the governor has prioritized reenergizing our economy and giving his full support to the travel and tourism industry, an instant revenue generator for the commonwealth. Under his leadership, we expect to see even more audacious tourism developments resulting in continued job growth and economic upturn
During this National Travel and Tourism Week, it is a time to support our travel industry and rediscover why Virginia is for Lovers by experiencing the numerous unique resources and destinations our home state has to offer. I encourage all Virginians to adventure into a new area of the commonwealth or revisit an old favorite. This week, and every week, we should celebrate all of the reasons why Virginia is the best place to live, work and travel.
Visit virginia.org and plan your next Virginia getaway.