Henrico County Tourism Spending Reaches 1.9 Billion USD in 2023: A Thriving Sports Hub in Central Virginia

Tourism in Henrico County, Virginia soared to new heights in 2023, with visitor spending approaching a record $1.9 billion, according to the latest data from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. This impressive figure marks the highest level of tourism spending for any locality in Central Virginia and places Henrico as the fifth-highest county in terms of visitor revenue across the state. Only Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax, and the city of Virginia Beach saw more tourist dollars spent in their jurisdictions.

A substantial portion of Henrico's tourism success can be attributed to the booming sports tourism industry. In 2023 alone, sports tourism generated nearly $72.4 million in economic activity for the county. The opening of the Henrico Sports and Events Center has been pivotal in attracting major tournaments, which in turn draw athletes, families, and spectators from across the country to the region.

Additionally, Henrico has committed to a second phase of improvements at Glover Park in Glen Allen, renovations to the county-owned Crossings Golf Course, and the addition of a 1,000-seat mezzanine at the NOVA Aquatics Center at Regency. These developments will enhance Henrico's ability to host a wider range of sporting events and increase visitor spending in the years to come.