PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REALIZES
LARGEST REGIONAL INCREASE IN TOURISM
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Virginia – September 10, 2019 – The Prince William County Office of Tourism (d/b/a Visit Prince William, Virginia) is proud to announce tourism spending in Prince William last year surpassed percentage growth of Northern Virginia counties including Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington Counties. According to research recently released by the U.S. Travel Association and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Prince William County experienced a 4.5% expansion in tourism expenditures in 2018 and the county ranks ninth in total visitor expenditures in Virginia when compared to 133 independent cities and counties in the Commonwealth.
In 2018, tourism in Prince William County generated:
- $618 million in travel-related expenditures in 2018, an increase of 4.5% vs. 2017
- Tourism supported 6,662 jobs
- Visitor related tax receipts in the County provided over $36 million dollars in both local and state receipts that support services for county residents
“We are pleased to learn that last year the Prince William County tourism economy continued to expand to $618 million and that our 4.5% growth leads the region,” said Corey Stewart, Chairman At-Large, Prince William County Board of Supervisors. “The county has recently benefited from over a hundred million dollars in private industry investment that has created new hotels, jobs and experiences such as Farm Brew Live and Sweeney Barn, and new retail, event venue, and entertainment choices that benefit visitors and residents alike,” he added.
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“Tourism enhances the county’s image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work said Ann Marie Maher, Director of Tourism for Prince William County. It strengthens our economic position and provides opportunities for County residents they would not otherwise have,” she added.
Recently opened attractions & tourist-friendly facilities include:
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Candlewood Suites Dumfries – A new 83-room extended-stay hotel property located near Interstate 95
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Home2Suites Potomac Mills – A new 126-extended stay hotel property located near Potomac Mills in Woodbridge
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The Neabsco Boardwalk / Neabsco Regional Park – Home to the ¾ mile boardwalk that traverses Neabsco Creek, a key artery of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
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Sweeney Barn – This two-story former dairy barn was fully restored as a private weddings and events venue.
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Cedar Run Brewery – A new sprawling farm brewery with one simple mission: to make great beer.
Prince William County has increased its hotel room inventory by nearly 3,000 hotel rooms over the last ten years. Five hotels that have recently opened or that are currently under construction, with others in the development stages will bring the County’s total hotel room supply to nearly 5,000 in the next several years. The craft beverage scene has also expanded from only one winery in 2009 to more than 15 breweries, wineries, tasting rooms and distilleries today.
Tourism creates jobs, tax revenue, and spurs development across the Commonwealth
According to the US Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $25 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 232,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.
“Virginia’s tourism industry is an important diversifier for our economy as it continues to grow and flourish in multiple regions of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Ralph Northam.
The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s tourism development all around the state, including new hotels, restaurants, agri-tourism, craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, sports, outdoor recreation, festivals and events, music venues, wedding venues, meeting and convention venues, attractions and so much more. Virginia’s changing tourism product makes the Commonwealth a destination for authentic travel experiences and thriving communities.
About Prince William County Office of Tourism
The Prince William County Office of Tourism, a division of Prince William County’s Parks & Recreation Department, is responsible for executing tourism marketing and promotion initiatives supporting Prince William County’s strategic outcomes. Prince William County, Virginia is one of the top ten travel destinations (based on total travel expenditures) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For images and fact sheet please contact Nicole Warner.