The Convention and Visitors Bureau has received 2010 statistics for the tourism industry, as well as, summer economic statistics and visitor profile information. All reports indicate that the Virginia Beach travel and tourism industry is resilient.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) 2010 annual statistics indicate spending by our visitors amounted to $1.129 billion an increase from $1.061 billion in 2009, up 6.5%. This represents $94.93 million in City and State revenue up from $91.63 million in 2009 and $211.30 million in payroll, up from $204.11 million in 2009.
In addition, despite Hurricane Irene in August, the summer hotel statistics remained positive. Year to date statistics through September 2011 from Smith Travel Research (STR) are as follows: Occupancy up 3.2%; Room Nights Sold up 3% and Revenue up 3.6%. (Note: STR statistics represent the major hotels in Virginia Beach; they do not represent cottages, campgrounds or timeshares/condos.)
The 2011 Summer Overnight Profile of Virginia Beach visitors revealed: average household income was up to $92,982; length of stay was 4.4 days; average party size was 4; average spending per party was up to $1,969; 91.4% plan to return, and over 27% were first time visitors.
“In spite of the down economy and Hurricane Irene in August, the Virginia Beach tourism industry was able to post strong figures for 2010 and through the summer of 2011” said Jim Ricketts, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is a tribute to the commitment our community has made to product development and to the high quality customer service that our destination has become known for.”
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