DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - The Virginia Tourism Corporation has released its 2025 tourism revenue statistics, showing $36.2 billion in visitor spending generated statewide.
For Danville and Pittsylvania County, visitor spending reached over $415 million. That is nearly a 51% increase from 2024.
Marathon draws visitors downtown
Events like the Three Sisters Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, played a role Saturday in showcasing Danville to out-of-city travelers.
Caesars Virginia has also been a factor in generating revenue since opening its casino resort in 2024.
Steve Scott, Three Sisters Marathon race director, said he wanted to bring the race to Danville to support small businesses.
“I wanted to bring it down here, to bring the people in for our small businesses,” Scott said. “That way they could walk while the runners are going around and, you know, go through the shops and things like that. Because, like I said, downtown, we’re trying to build this place. You know, we’re trying to bring Danville back and this is part of it.”
Business owners see more foot traffic
Cheryl Sutherland, owner of Main Street Art Collective, has lived in Danville for 34 years. She said out-of-towners are interested in learning about the city’s small businesses.
“A lot of people are surprised that Danville has so much to offer,” Sutherland said. “So we had some people come in, you know, after the poker tournament, people come in for a lot of the events at the casino. It’s exciting. It’s exciting. It’s exciting to be a part of the growth.”
Landon Moss, co-owner of Moss Mountain Outfitters, started his business in 2020. He said he has noticed more foot traffic downtown.
“There’s a lot more life downtown, meeting a lot of new people that, you know, we love our locals, we love local, our local community, but meeting people from out of state is really a cool thing to see,” Moss said.
Adam Jones, owner of The Brick Running & Tri Store, said he hopes visitors return to Danville.
“Hopefully they go, ‘hey, you know, this is a really cool spot. Never been here before. Look at all the assets they have. Look at the growth that they have. Maybe I’ll come back and visit even without a marathon,’” Jones said.