Virginia Beach tourism revenue totaled $1.3 billion last year

Published September 5, 2013 by Robert Powell, III

Tourism revenue in Virginia Beach last year reached $1.3 billion, a 5 percent increase over 2011.

That figure was released by the city’s Convention & Visitor’s Bureau the day after Gov. Bob McDonnell announced total tourism revenue for the commonwealth was $21.2 billion in 2012, an increase of 4 percent.

Tourism supported 12,025 jobs in Virginia Beach while generating $100 million in state and local taxes. Tourism is the second-largest driver of revenue in the city.

Statewide, tourism supported 210,000 and provided $1.36 billion in state and local taxes. Tourism is the third-largest industry in Virginia.