News Release
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City of Fredericksburg Growth leader for visitor spending in the region, top ten (by percentage of growth) in the Commonwealth
Tourism generated $35.1 billion in visitor spending in Virginia, marking a nearly $2 billion increase over 2023
(Fredericksburg, VA) September 12, 2025 – Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has released the 2024 Visitor Spending Economic Impact data, which shows the City of Fredericksburg as the growth leader in the region and in the top ten – by percentage of growth – among Virginia’s localities. The City of Fredericksburg showed a 12.9% increase in visitor spending from 2023 to 2024. The data also shows an increase of 16.5% in visitor spending since 2019 showing that the region has recovered from the pandemic.
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.
Following an intensive community dialogue in 2018–2019 about the future of local tourism, and with guidance from DMOProz, City Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive plan in 2020 that has now largely been realized with the opening of the City’s new Visitor Center (see Action Plan linked below). With the FredNats Stadium, our Historic District, top-tier arts and cultural venues, growth in chef-owned culinary establishments, and the region’s only AAA Four Diamond hotel, Fredericksburg continues to shine. Fredericksburg Tourism Study 2019
“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.”
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.
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About Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism leads the City’s efforts to grow and sustain a vibrant local economy. The department supports business attraction, retention, and expansion while promoting Fredericksburg as a premier destination to live, work, and visit. Learn more at FXBG.com.
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.