Southern Virginia, which includes Danville and Pittsylvania County, outperformed all other regions in Virginia for visitor spending in 2023.

The region saw a 20% increase from 2022 to 2023, with spending levels from visitors to the area reaching $540 million, according to figures presented at the Second Annual Future of Hospitality and Tourism Workforce Summit held Friday.

“Southern Virginia’s spending growth is attributed to substantial growth in recreation spending, a direct impact of the Danville Casino,” Jai Girard, director of education and workforce development with the Virginia Restaurant Lodging Travel Association, said during her presentation to attendees at the summit.