2017 Annual Report

Regional Economic Impact Tourism We can see the details of the trend by looking at the increase in lodging and meals taxes. The graph below shows in the increase in meals and lodging tax revenues at the locality level. 5

County/city level tax revenues

Though these revenue increases are impressive, they do not fully show the revenues collected as many areas in the region only have meals or lodging taxes at the town level. The additional graphs below show the increases in meals and lodging taxes for a sample of Southwest Virginia towns. The towns shown below had an even greater percentage increase than SWVA counties. 6

Lodging tax (thousands)

meals tax (thousands)

5 Lodging and meals tax data taken from the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts Local Government Comparative Reports. Does not include revenues at the town level. 6 Percent increase from 2004-2015 Meals Taxes: Marion (114%), Bluefield (102%), Rocky Mount (90%); Lodging Taxes: Bristol (155%), Christiansburg (232%).