18 / 41
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
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
County/city level tax revenues
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%).