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Fredericksburg region records rise in tourism and local revenues Date published: 9/24/2008
By PAMELA GOULD Tourists spent nearly $199 million in Spotsylvania last year, earning the county 18th place for spending among Virginia's 134 localities. The $198.7 million spent in Spotsylvania in 2007 is a 9.4 percent increase over 2006, according to a report released this week by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "I think it's really good, obviously," said Spotsylvania Economic Development Director Russ Seymour. "I think people are starting to recognize there are things to do in this area." Statewide, tourists spent nearly $18.7 billion on such things as attractions, lodging and restaurants in 2007, up 5.8 percent from the previous year. That spending translated into $731.6 million in state tax revenue and $529.2 million in tax revenue for localities. It also created 210,300 jobs, a 1 percent increase in Virginia's tourism employment. The report, compiled by the Travel Industry Association, ranked the city of Fredericksburg 30th among the state's 134 cities and counties for tourism spending. Among counties in the region, Stafford ranked 37th, Caroline 49th, and King George 97th. Across the region, tour-ism spending increased between 3.9 percent and 9.7 percent. Seymour noted that people are increasingly looking to take day trips rather than traditional out-of-town vacations, and that bodes well for the Fredericksburg area. "We started to see that a little bit in 2007, and I think we're going to see more of that this year," he said. "It looks like last year was a good year for all of us." Each jurisdiction saw an increase in local tax receipts-between 3.4 percent and 9.2 percent. "I think the increase we're seeing is reflective of the overall commercial growth we've seen in the region," said Fredericksburg Tour-ism Manager Karen Hedelt. "It's not just Route 3 any more. There is additional growth at all of our interchanges and that is going to bring a bigger impact to our region in general." Stafford Economic Development Director Tim Baroody was pleased with the 8 percent increase in revenue and 8.5 percent increase in spending his county reaped from tourism. "Obviously, Stafford County is spending an awful lot of time diversifying our economy and tourism is one of those areas," he said. Tourism Manager M.C. Moncure is aggressively marketing the county's resources and working with local sites to draw visitors, Baroody said. "Obviously, that is paying dividends." Spotsylvania officials see history as their traditional draw and are currently promoting the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. But Seymour said the county is also trying to increase the visibility of other features such as its parks, museums and wineries. "Across the region, everybody is starting to focus on tourism, and I think we're all going to start to see the benefits from that, especially with the price of gas," Seymour said. Pamela Gould: 540/735-1972
Date published: 9/24/2008
in spite of Seymore and his underworked and over manned staff. His STAFF should be cut by 50% not just a 2-5% reducion in spending. That would be a REAL savings to the taxpayer. Private industry brings jobs to the area...not the slick presentaions he presents for the Board of Supervisors.
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