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Richmond Region Tourism reports growth, cites hotel shortage near convention center
Summary
Richmond Region Tourism told the City Council its annual update, reporting rising tax revenues and visitor engagement, expanded sports tourism and workforce programs, and a shortfall of hotel rooms near the convention center that has cost convention business; the group said a Tourism Improvement District and ad campaigns have boosted demand.
Catherine O'Donnell, president and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism, told the Richmond City Council during an annual update that visitation and visitor spending across the region have increased, while a shortage of hotel rooms adjacent to the convention center has caused the region to lose some convention bids.
"It's a pleasure to be with you all again for our annual tourism update," O'Donnell said, describing efforts to market the Richmond Region and attract conventions, sports tournaments and leisure travelers. She said the region saw more than $39,000,000 in total tax revenue last fiscal year and that tourism supports about 29,000 jobs in the region with a median income of about $82,000.
O'Donnell said Richmond Region Tourism represents seven localities and uses a regional approach because visitors do not observe municipal boundaries. She highlighted four strong tourism sectors — family and friends visits, conventions, sports tourism and leisure travel — and said sports tourism accounts for roughly 71% of the business the organization recruits.
The agency cited several…
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