HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

Image Credit: Montgomery County Tourism Office HOSPITALITY & TOURISM The Montgomery County Tourism Office hosts staff of 13 Virginia State Welcome Centers and poses in front of the LOVE sign on display at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center

TOURISM SPENDING TOPS $160.3 M

In September 2019, the Virginia Tourism Corporation released its 2018 report on the Economic Impact of Domestic Travel on Virginia and Localities. The report, prepared by the U.S. Travel Association, examined tourism spending in Virginia by U.S. visitors traveling 50 miles or more away from home. According to the report, tourism spending in Montgomery County reached $160.3 million in 2018, a 5.0 percent increase over 2017. Visitor spending was estimated to have generated $9.7 million in combined state and local taxes for Montgomery County and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The report also found that the local tourism industry supported 1,456 jobs and had an annual payroll of $31 million. $129.4 $132.6 $136.3 $139.5 $143.8 $152.6 $160.3 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $160 $180

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 (in millions) TOURISM SPENDING, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

The Montgomery County/Blacksburg/Christiansburg VA Regional Tourism Office collaborates with local hospitality and tourism businesses, advocacy organizations, local government, secondary and higher education institutions, and civic organizations to attract visitors to the area for first-time, as well as repeat, visits. The program also promotes longer stays and additional spending by building awareness for events and attractions throughout the community.

“This year our marketing focused on our partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help promote and celebrate 50 years of the Virginia is for Lovers slogan,” said Lisa Bleakley, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Regional Tourism Office. “One way we participated was by hosting a Fall Study Tour for the staff of the 13 Virginia State Welcome Centers to experience Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The counselors left with experiences and knowledge to share with the thousands of visitors they see daily.