Tourism revenue for James City County reached $431.9 million in 2017, a 3.6% change over 2016. Local tourism-related taxes were $17.8 million, a 1.8% increase over 2016. All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from U.S. Travel Association and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. County tourism revenue has continued to grow since 2010–the year the recession ended.
“James City County welcomed a growing number of visitors in 2017. With the debut of the wooden rollercoaster, InvadR, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the opening of Billsburg Brewery at the James City County Marina, we continue our tradition of offering new and exciting things to entice visitors to return year after year,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Ruth Larson. Larson continued, “We are truly fortunate to live in a County with excellent outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and more and are confident that the revenues in 2018 will consistently rise.”
Data released by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that all regions in Virginia posted an increase in tourism revenue last year. According to the U.S. Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $25 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 232,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.7 billion in state and local taxes. The travel industry is the fifth largest employer when compared to other private industry sectors in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available online. The Virginia Tourism Corporation press release is available online.
Media Contact:
Amy Jordan, Director of Economic Development
757-253-6607; amy.jordan@jamescitycountyva.gov