~ Tourism generated $35.1 billion in visitor spending in Virginia, marking a nearly $2 billion increase over 2023. ~
Giles County, Virginia – Visitor spending for Giles reached $37.5 million in 2024, a 4.5% percent change over 2023. Tourism-supported jobs in Giles totaled 367 while local tourism-related taxes were $1.9 million.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), tourism in Virginia generated a record high $35.1 billion in visitor spending in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from $33.3 billion in 2023. Overnight visitation to Virginia increased by over one million people to 44.7 million visitors in 2024, up from 43.6 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time and setting a new record.
Travelers spent $96 million per day in Virginia in 2024, up from $91 million in 2023. Virginia visitors directly drove $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue, an increase of $100 million from 2023. Every Virginia household saves $990 annually on state and local taxes because of the revenue generated by visitors.
The tourism industry in Virginia directly supported over 229,000 jobs in 2024, an increase of nearly 5,000 jobs compared to 2023. Direct travel employment is now at 95% of pre-pandemic employment levels. Virginia’s tourism workforce is growing gradually, but staffing shortages remain an ongoing challenge, particularly in the lodging sector.
“Giles Tourism continues to be a strong and robust industry for our communities. The annual spending data supports the efforts made amongst our tourism partners”, said Cora Gnegy Tourism Director for Giles.
“We look forward to promoting travel to Giles for our amazing outdoor recreation, family-owned culinary experiences, and truly unique lodging options. Moving through 2025 we will continue to support job creation and positive visitor experiences so our communities benefit as we welcome friends to Virginia’s Mountain Playground.”
“We are incredibly proud to see the continued momentum of Virginia’s tourism industry propelling us to new heights,” said President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny. “Through strategic marketing and close collaboration with statewide partners, VTC is driving new demand and encouraging longer stays across Virginia. From coast to cliff, our diverse destinations continue to captivate. As we look ahead to milestone moments such as the VA250 commemoration, Virginia is poised to play a leading role in how visitors engage with history, culture, and adventure.”
For Giles specifically that largest markets of origin for visitors included Northern Virginia, and Richmond. The largest out-of-state market was the greater Charlotte area. The most popular visit months are July and August and most guests stay 1 or 2 nights in Giles.
VTC receives its annual economic impact data from Tourism Economics. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips. Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. Detailed economic impact data and methodology are available at vatc.org/research. For more information on Virginia’s Mountain Playground, visit www.VirginiasMtnPlayground.com.
About Giles County, Virginia
Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground®. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or Trail Center located at 2125 Doe Creek Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, or find us online at VirginiasMtnPlayground.com or by calling 540-921-2079.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
