The number of overnight visitors staying in the Historic Triangle decreased by 1 percent in 2013 compared with 2012, but meal sales revenues and sales taxes increased.
According to data reported to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance by James City and York counties and the City of Williamsburg, visitors spent 1,535,938 nights in the area in 2013. That number is down 15,766 nights from 2012, which is a 1 percent decrease. The amount visitors spent to stay in the area, however, only decreased a half-percent to $170,324,813.
While overnight stays were less, the amount spent on meals was up 0.7 percent to $418,775,223, and sales taxes were up 2.5 percent to $20,923,548. People have been spending more on meals in the Historic Triangle since 2010, and sales taxes paid have been increasing since 2011.
In Williamsburg, the number of nights spent in hotels and other lodging decreased by 4.1 percent to 593,270. Guests spent 3.7 percent less – $59,506,060 in total – to stay in the city. Sales taxes also decreased by 0.4 percent to $3,749,873, but the amount spent on meals increased 0.3 percent to $128,333,920.
Visitors spent 5 percent fewer nights in York County, bringing the total number down to 519,889, but the amount spent on hotel rooms increased by 0.8 percent to $64,810,095. Meals sales increased 3.2 percent to $140,593,059, and sales taxes increased by nearly $4,000, to a total of $8,028,925.
James City benefited from the largest increase – 9.6 percent – in room nights, to a total of 422,779. Guests spent $46,008,659, or 1.9 percent more, on rooms. The amount spent on meals decreased by 1.3 percent to $149,848,245, but sales taxes increased 6.1 percent to $9,144,750.
The numbers for 2013 may still change, as some businesses might have outstanding payments.
