FRANKLIN—Data released by the United States Travel Association (U.S. Travel Association) reveals that every region in Virginia posted an increase in tourism revenue last year.

According to the USTA, tourism in Virginia generated $21.5 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 213,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and provided $842 million in state taxes and $581 million in local taxes.

Tourism was again an important contributor to the local economy in 2013. Tourism revenue for the City of Franklin reached $13,455,860.10, a 2.2 percent change over 2012. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 122 while local tourism-related taxes were $515,876.17. And Southampton County reached $14,488,077.23, a 2.3 percent change over 2012. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 148 while local tourism-related taxes were $274,707.78. All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from USTA and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

Amanda Jarratt, president of Franklin Southampton Economic Development stated, “It is due to the grassroots efforts of our local community organizations and groups that allow tourism to continue to thrive and grow in the Franklin Southampton community.

“The countless hours that these groups dedicate to events such as Heritage Day, the Franklin Southampton County Fair and Franklin Fall Festival, just to name a few, are vital in continuing to attract visitors from across the Commonwealth and the eastern Mid-Atlantic. We continue to participate in events like the Grand Motorcycle Tour of Virginia, which also reaches out to visitors from across the state. We look forward to continuing to assist in promoting our local events and grow the tax dollars generated from tourism and visitors in the Franklin Southampton community.”

“Tourism plays a key role in our economic development and growth in the Commonwealth, providing valuable jobs for citizens and stimulating business of all sizes,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “During my administration, I have made tourism a fundamental part of my economic development initiatives. The data released today shows once again that tourism provides a tremendous return on investment, and continues to provide jobs—213,000 of them—to the citizens of Virginia.”

“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth. 2014 was a banner year for travel and hospitality in Virginia, and we were pleased to see such continued improvement in our tourism economy,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of VTC. “Tourism is a driving force of Virginia’s economy — it creates jobs, generates economic impact, and benefits businesses and communities across the state. We are fortunate to have a governor and members of the General Assembly who recognize the importance of investing in an industry that continues to grow and strengthen our economy.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Go to http://www.virginia.org/ and start planning a trip or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.

Autumn is a great time to “fall in love” in Virginia. Discover (or re-discovery) what makes Virginia magical this fall. For more information, visit http://www.virginia.org/fall/.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.vatc.org under Research.