Tourism revenue for James City County reached $442 million in 2018, a 2.3% change over 2017. Local tourism-related taxes were $19.1 million, a 7.1% increase over 2017. 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.
In 2018, James City County continued to see growth across local tourism attractions including:
- A new virtual reality ride, Battle for Eire, the 40th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster and the 20th anniversary of Howl-O-Scream all at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Pure Silk became the title sponsor of Kingsmill Resort’s Ladies’ Pro Golf Association event through 2021
- Sweethaven Lavender Farm announced it would open in 2019 and planted more than five acres of lavender
- Three triathlons were held in the County
- The Williamsburg Winery received multiple awards and announced a new open-air pavilion would be constructed and open in 2019.
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 $26 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 235,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s tourism promotion and development efforts all around the state, including: new hotels, restaurants, agritourism, craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, sports, outdoor recreation, festivals and events, music venues, wedding venues, meeting and convention venues, attractions and so much more. Virginia’s changing tourism industry make the Commonwealth a destination for authentic travel experiences and vibrant communities.
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.
Media Contact:
Laura Messer, Tourism & Marketing Coordinator
757-253-6607; laura.messer@jamescitycountyva.gov