By Cody Mello-Klein | cmelloklein@alextimes.com
Visitor spending in Alexandria hit an all-time high, Visit Alexandria announced at its annual meeting on Monday, according to a news release.
Revenue in fiscal year 2019 rose to a record $859 million, a $33 million increase over last year, according to data released by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The increase is part of a larger trend in the city, as Alexandria’s tourism economy has grown steadily over the past six years, according to the release.
Tax revenue generated by visitors represented 71 percent of Alexandria’s sales, meals and lodging tax receipts, which saved the average household $673, according to the release.
FY2019’s record-breaking revenue numbers produced $27.9 million in local tax revenue while, in general, travel supported 6,583 jobs, or 7 percent of the workforce in the city, according to the release.
Visit Alexandria also had increased media coverage, social media engagement, hotel occupancy and membership in FY 2019, according to the release. This year’s success is attributed to a new regional marketing campaign, the opening of Waterfront Park and King Street Corridor Initiative projects, according to the release.
With FY2020 already here, Visit Alexandria is looking to sustain this level of growth, according to the release. In FY2020, Visit Alexandria will unveil a new destination advertising campaign, promote neighborhood content and market the tall ship Providence, according to the release.
