2017 Annual Report

Regional Economic Impact Tourism The development of the creative economy in Southwest Virginia is tied directly to tourism and travel. Creative economy businesses and attractions draw in tourists, which has a large economic impact on the region.With a population density of only 75 persons per square mile, bringing in outside dollars to support the economy is essential for growth. From 2004 to 2016, travel expenditures in Southwest Virginia grew by almost $363 million, with travelers spending a total of $1011.81million in 2016. In this twelve year period, travel expenditures have increased by 56%, and by 22% in the six years from 2011 to 2016. 3 Travel expenditures in southwest virginia (millions)

3 Annual travel related tax receipt estimates taken from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Economic Impact of Domestic Travel in Virginia report