RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia Tourism Corporation announced today (Wednesday) that meetings and conventions in Virginia generated direct spending and visitor contributions back to pre-pandemic levels… $5.8 billion direct spending in 2023, and $2.1 billion contributed solely by visitors. According to a VTC release, “meetings and conventions visitors spent nearly $6 million per day in Virginia last year. In 2023, 4.9 million people attended a meeting or convention in Virginia, with 2.5 million staying overnight, representing 6% of Virginia’s total overnight visitors.
“The resurgence of Virginia’s meetings and conventions sector to pre-pandemic levels is an economic impact win that should be celebrated,” said Caren Merrick, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. Generating $5.8 billion in direct spending and employing more than 56,000 Virginians, this sector is vital to our Commonwealth’s prosperity. The $335 million in state and local tax revenues further emphasizes its importance in supporting our communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Virginians.”
Click here for the release with all the numbers.
