Tourism Revenue Grew in MHC in 2013

Data released by the United States Travel Association (USTA) reveals that every region in Virginia posted an increase in tourism revenue last year. According to the US Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $21.5 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 213,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and provided $842 million in state taxes and $581 million in local taxes. 

Tourism was again an important contributor to the local economy in 2013, providing a total of $64,855,847 in tourism revenue to the community. Out of 134 localities in Virginia, Henry County ranked among the top 50 for growth of tourism expenditures. Tourism revenue for Henry County reached $45,401,829 and revenue for Martinsville reached $19,454,018, an increase of 2.3% and 0.3%, respectively, over 2012. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 735 while local tourism-related taxes were $1,373,036. 

All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from US Travel Association and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

"We are delighted to see the tourism industry continue to thrive and develop in Martinsville-Henry County," said Jennifer Doss, Director of Tourism. "The addition of new businesses and enhanced amenities over the past year has really made a positive impact on our community, as a whole, by creating new jobs and showcasing MHC as a destination of choice for visitors." 

"Tourism is an important industry that will continue to fuel the New Virginia Economy," said Governor McAuliffe. "Virginia continues to offer a dynamic, rich experience for visitors, which helps to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. Virginia's tourism economy is an enormous asset for this Commonwealth, and continuing to grow it is one of my top priorities."

"Tourism is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth. 2013 was a banner year for travel and hospitality in Virginia, and we were pleased to see such continued improvement in our tourism economy," said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of VTC. "Tourism is a driving force of Virginia's economy--it creates jobs, generates economic impact, and benefits businesses and communities across the state."

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Loversbrand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation's (EDC) Tourism Division is the local agency responsible for marketing MHC to visitors. They operate the state-certified Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, located at 191 Fayette Street and maintain the website VisitMartinsville.com. For information on area attractions and businesses or to discover how you can become a Community Ambassador for MHC, please call 276.632.8006.