The Virginia Tourism Corporation has released the 2017 state and local economic impact data. It is another record year for Virginia with expenditures reaching $25 billion supporting 230,000 jobs, $5.9 billion in salaries & wages and $1.7 billion in state & local taxes.
All Virginia localities saw an increase in travel expenditures in 2017 compared to previous year. The travel industry in the Commonwealth has continued to grow eight years in a row. Travel expenditures increased at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% since 2010.
In Manassas tourism-related expenditures rose 4.5% to $71,114,795. Annual payroll rose 4.7% to $12,124,407. Employment rose 1.5% to 589 and local tax receipts rose 2.7% to $1,851,267.
Tourism is an important part of the local economy in many communities and especially in the City of Manassas. Few localities in the nation experienced such seminal events as Manassas did during the Civil War. The First and Second Battles of Manassas helped define our City’s place in history and historical-based tourism is a key market for the City. The Manassas National Battlefield Park, Liberia Plantation and Manassas Museum serve as key attractions for visitors.
However, the City’s appeal to visitors now also includes the charm of its Historic Downtown (a Virginia Main Street community), its specialty shopping and dining, and special events. Special events and activities alone account for 300,000 annual visitors to Downtown. In addition to the jobs it creates and the revenue it generates, visitors may be prospective business owners or residents who become attracted to a community because of its tourism vibrancy. Tourism is economic development.
Recent Stories
The Montgomery County Women’s Chorus will present a concert to benefit the Betty Ann Krahnke shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 100% of ticket sales (less any online processing fees) will go to the shelter.
The concert will take place at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 18th at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, located at 15120 Turkey Foot Rd in Gaithersburg. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at https://www.mocosings.org/events-1/nocturnes-and-lullabies-benefit-concert.
The program, Nocturnes and Lullabies, spans numerous centuries and genres, and includes beloved favorites from Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, and Billy Joel, among many others. We’ll be joined by three of the DMV’s premiere professional instrumentalists – Cara Dailey, flute, Matthew Maffett, viola, and Rachel Flicker, piano.

Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has