In the wake of the federal shutdown in 2014, tourism screeched to a halt in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. But in the 2015 fiscal year, various localities, including Prince William County and Manassas, experienced substantial growth in tourism traffic and revenue.
Nicole Warner, marketing and communications specialist for Discover Prince William & Manassas, said the federal shutdown took a big toll on Northern Virginia.
“It was a huge hit for hotels [in 2014]. Several companies and federal agencies were out of work and couldn’t pay for traveling expenses. Due to the proximity of the counties to D.C., it was a huge, huge hit,” Warner said.
According to the 2015 annual report by Discover Prince William & Manassas, hotel occupancy tax revenues jumped by almost 7 percent – to more than $3.3 million. Overall, tourism pumped $593 million into the economy of Prince William County and Manassas – a 3.8 percent increase from 2013.
The increase in tourism traffic in the two localities produced more than 6,500 jobs and almost $35 million in state and local taxes.
Jennifer Becker, the general manager of the Manassas Hampton Inn, said she noticed a shift in the type of tourist traffic.
“The leisure market has picked up in the last few years – typically it’s business people,” Becker said.
The reason for the surge in leisure tourism stems from the addition of new shopping centers, museums and historic sites in the region. It is home to such popular destinations as the Fredericksburg Manassas National Battlefield Parks, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Potomac Mills shopping center.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Reckless street racing between a juvenile and his father resulted in a crash on Courthouse Road Tuesday evening, knocking out power to 2,000 Stafford County residents.
The Charleston RiverDogs scored four late runs to top the Fredericksburg Nationals 6-2 on Education Day at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Over 3,000 students attended the early game, where FredNats starter Bryan Polanco allowed just one run in four innings.
A Stafford man claiming he was “monkeying around” led deputies on a high-speed pursuit, while a repeat DUI offender struck and injured a motorcyclist before fleeing the scene. In Prince William County, a firearm was brandished in a road rage incident, a teen was charged in a brutal assault, and a man was arrested in a child sex assault investigation.
DUMFRIES, Va. –Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood recently spoke about the new development underway at the corner of Route 1 and Possum Point Road: the first-ever Wawa gas station in the town. This new business, set to open in late summer or early fall of 2025, promises to bring economic benefits to the area, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
