Tourism Continues to Fuel Economic Growth in Virginia Beach with $3.9B Total Impact in 2024

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VBCVB) today announced the results of its latest economic impact study, revealing gains in key tourism indicators for 2024. Welcoming 14.3 million visitors, the destination experienced solid year-over-year growth, with visitor spending increasing 2% to reach $2.6 billion. This had a far-reaching economic impact and when factoring both indirect and induced effects, reached $3.9 billion in total economic impact. 

This economic ripple sustained 34,076 jobs, equating to 19% of all jobs in the city. In addition, tourism spending contributed $340.8 million in state and local tax revenues, offsetting local annual taxes by $1,832 per Virginia Beach household. 

“The results from this recent economic study remind us of the vital role tourism plays in Virginia Beach,” said Nancy Helman, Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “Every visitor who dines at a local restaurant, books a hotel room, or attends an event helps support the people who live and work here. Tourism doesn’t just drive our economy. It helps small businesses, fuels thousands of jobs, and brings our community together in meaningful ways.”

Of the $2.6 billion spent by visitors in 2024, the largest portion, nearly $1.1 billion (42.6%), went toward food and beverage, reflecting the destination’s vibrant culinary scene and the essential role it plays in the visitor experience. Lodging spend, including hotels, second homes, and short-term rentals, comprised 27% of total spending. 

Visitor volume grew by 1.9% compared to the previous year, with both day and overnight trips seeing steady gains. Due in part to the city’s accessibility, day visitors continued to own a majority of the market at 58.8% of total volume. Business travel showed the strongest growth across segments, continuing its rebound from 2020. That momentum underscores a milestone year for the city’s meetings and events industry with the Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC) celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. 

Since its opening, VBCC has welcomed nearly 10 million guests, playing a crucial role in both the economic and cultural fabric of the city. It’s the home of major conferences, conventions, sporting events and fan-favorite local gatherings such as the Christmas Craft Show and race expos with their energetic start and finish lines. But beyond its impact on tourism, the center has been a setting for countless personal milestones — hosting more than 260 high school and college graduations and more than 250 weddings, birthdays, baby showers and retirement celebrations. It’s a place where the community comes together to mark life’s most joyful moments. 

It also has been a place for reflection and unity in more difficult times. The center has provided space for memorials and public gatherings honoring community members and public servants, including Fallen Warriors, former Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, past VBCVB Director Jim Ricketts, and those lost in the tragedy at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. In times of need, the facility has provided support without hesitation. When called upon during the COVID-19 pandemic, it transformed into a full-scale vaccination clinic, opening just six days after the request was received. Over a span of 99 days, more than 100,000 people were vaccinated at the site. 

Through celebrations, service and shared experiences, the Virginia Beach Convention Center has proven to be far more than a venue. It’s a cornerstone of the city, supporting tourism, but also offering a space where residents and visitors alike come together in the spirit of connection, resilience and community. 

Helman noted: “For two decades, the VBCC has been much more than a meeting space. It’s been an important civic stage in our city. From launching business growth through major conventions to hosting our community’s most cherished celebrations, this building’s impact is woven into the economic fabric and the life story of nearly every resident. We’re proud of its legacy and look forward to welcoming future events that showcase not only our city’s appeal to businesses nationwide, but also the personal milestones that create lasting memories.”    

About Virginia Beach  
Virginia Beach, one of Virginia’s most populous cities, resides where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is home to 38 miles of sandy beaches, a flourishing culinary and craft beer scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that keep visitors entertained year-round. For more Virginia Beach information, including new attractions and experiences, or to plan your next trip, visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com.