Prince William, VA-Tourism revenue is on the rise in the greater Prince William region and across Virginia, according to data released by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Visitors to Prince William County generated almost $444 million in revenue last year, a 6.8 percent increase from 2009. In the City of Manassas, visitors generated almost $54 million, a 5.5 percent increase from 2009 and in Manassas Park about $1.2 million, which was a 3.7 percent increase.
The figures, which were calculated by the U.S. Travel Association, represent what domestic travelers spent on everything from meals, lodging and public transportation to shopping, admissions and entertainment. Virginia Tourism Corporation officials also said that every dollar Virginia invests in tourism marketing, generates $5 in tax revenue.
“We attribute the growth to the interest in the region’s Civil War history coupled with our other top attractions,” said Ann Marie Maher, Executive Director for Discover Prince William and Manassas, the regions convention and visitors bureau. “Prince William & Manassas is making a name for itself as a destination that is diverse, culturally dynamic and a tremendous value for travelers to the metropolitan D.C. area.”
Maher said visitors are coming to the greater Prince William area not only to see the Manassas National Battlefield Park and walk the Civil War Trail, but to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Potomac Mills Mall and the community’s quaint main streets. Others are attracted to the arts, culture, events and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Tourism supported 5,600 jobs in Prince William last year and 524 between Manassas and Manassas Park. Travel-related state and local tax receipts also increased in Prince William by 3.7 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.
Maher said she expects tourism will rise as the community builds on the momentum of the 150th Civil War anniversary and gets ready to open new attractions including the American Wartime Museum.
At the state level, domestic visitor spending in Virginia generated $18.9 billion in revenue in 2010, up 6.7 percent from 2009. Officials with the Commonwealth said spending by overseas travelers to Virginia increased by more than 12 percent last year. The number of visitors from Canada is also on the rise. In 2010, almost 575,000 Canadians came to the Commonwealth and spent more than $133 million, up 16.6 percent from 2009.
“The increase in revenue from tourism is very encouraging,” Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “Tourism is an instant revenue generator and job creator for Virginia, which is why I continue to advocate for more resources for tourism marketing. Smart investments in tourism provide economic benefits to communities across the Commonwealth and good jobs for our citizens.”
For additional information on things to do and places to see in Prince William & Manassas, call 1-800-432-1792 or visit www.VisitPWC.com or www.ManassasBullRun.com
Discover Prince William & Manassas is the Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing Prince William County and Manassas, Virginia as a destination for leisure and business travelers, group tours, conferences, meetings and events.
-Unedited press release
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