Virginia Beach welcomes 14.1M visitors in 2023; Canada is top market
Virginia Beach welcomed an impressive 14.1 million visitors in 2023, with Canadians representing the largest segment of international guests accounting for 45 per cent of the foreign tourism market, according to a new economic impact study by the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VBCVB).
Canadian travellers contributed nearly $38 million in spending, exceeding the combined expenditures of visitors from the next four largest international markets – the UK, India, Germany, and Türkiye.
Renowned for its 38 miles of sandy beaches, vibrant culinary and craft beer scene, and rich history, Virginia Beach has seen a substantial surge in international tourism. The study confirmed growth in Virginia Beach during 2023 was strong, with total international visits increasing 68 per cent, reaching 10 per cent below 2019 levels.
This year, the city is expected to reach near-full recovery in visitor numbers, with sustained growth projected in the years to come.
“We’re thrilled to welcome so many Canadian visitors,” said Nancy Helman, Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “Our recent economic impact study underscores the incredible appeal of Virginia Beach as a travel destination. It’s a testament to the diverse experiences we offer and the hard work of our tourism industry.”
Important investments
While the city’s vast oceanfront and outdoor amenities were major draws, Virginia Beach’s strategic investment in sports events and festivals has also paid off. Travel for entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions served as additional motivations, making Virginia Beach an increasingly dynamic destination.
“These findings illustrate not just the vitality of our tourism sector, but also the deep connections our visitors have with Virginia Beach,” added Helman. “As more people choose to visit our beloved city and for those lucky enough to call Virginia Beach home, we’re seeing a direct impact on our local economy. This growth reinforces our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting our community’s prosperity.”
The study, centred on the expenditures of Virginia Beach tourists in 2023, was undertaken by Tourism Economics, a subsidiary of Oxford Economics, utilizing an array of local and nationwide data resources and survey instruments.
