FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beth Marshall
Marketing & Communications Manager
Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
276.403.5946
bmarshall@yesmartinsville.com
Virginia reached $30.3 billion in visitor spending, returning to pre-pandemic levels
Martinsville – Henry County, VA (January 25, 2024)– Visitor spending for Martinsville – Henry County reached $70.4 million, a 5.1 percent change over 2021. Tourism-supported jobs in Martinsville – Henry County totaled 787 while local tourism-related taxes were $2.8 million.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), tourism in Virginia generated $30.3 billion in visitor spending in 2022, an increase of 20.3% from 2021, exceeding 2019 levels by 4.4%. The tourism industry in Virginia directly supported 210,721 jobs in 2022, an increase of more than 25,000 jobs relative to 2021, but still down about 30,000 jobs relative to 2019. All data is from Tourism Economics and is based on visitor spending from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.
“Tourism in Martinsville – Henry County is certainly rebounding,” stated Kelly Rowland, the Tourism Marketing and Client Relations Manager. “Martinsville – Henry County is not just a place, it’s an experience. With our diverse venues and attractions, we are crafting a destination that inspires curiosity and leaves lasting memories for all who visit.”
The leading tourism sectors in Virginia are recreation and food & beverage, which have exceeded 2019 levels by 10%. Transportation, specifically air travel, has had a slower rebound but was the fastest growing tourism sector in 2022, aiding the Commonwealth’s regions that are more dependent on-air travel. With the additional marketing dollars that came through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Virginia and its localities continued to see growth in visitor spending.
VTC’s annual economic impact of travel study covering 2022 was conducted by Tourism Economics, in partnership with the US Travel Association. To view the full study, go to https://vatc.org/research/economicimpact/
To learn more about Martinsville – Henry County, please visit www.VisitMartinsville.com
The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play. The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.
