Arlington County Smashes Tourism Revenue Records: Report

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County pulled in record revenues from tourism in 2015, according to a new report from the county government.

Arlington visitors spent nearly $3.1 billion in 2015, with a record $86 million generated in local tax receipts and $115 million in state revenues, according to an Arlington County statement.

It's the seventh straight year that Arlington led all Virginia counties in tourism dollars. The $3.1 billion figure represented a 3 percent increase over 2014 based on data from the U.S. Travel Association.

“It is gratifying to see such strong performance from this vital sector of Arlington’s economy,” Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said in the statement. “Arlington remains strongly committed to supporting our hospitality industry, which is bringing tremendous dividends to our community and the entire Commonwealth.”

The tourism industry in Arlington supports about 26,000 jobs and generates more than $970 million in payroll. Arlington has 44 hotels with more than 11,000 rooms with the opening of Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza in August.

Image via Wikimedia user Jericho