I think because I grew up in this area and the fact that I currently live in Virginia Beach I tend to forget that there are people that come here to vacation. There are people who travel to Virginia Beach to get away from the rest of the world. Every time I think about that it blows my mind and I simply can't believe it. Well I guess I have to truly start believing it now since there's data.
First Data conducted a study based on last summer’s travel and leisure spending, and found Virginia Beach to be one of the most popular travel spots in the country.
According to their research Virginia Beach experienced a 7.2% year-over-year growth in hotel spending in 2017. The growth was impressive compared to the average number of 0.6% from other examined markets.
Time shares (26%) and country clubs (23%) accounted for a decent chunk of the total travel revenue in Virginia Beach. That part really blew my mind. There are people who have TIME SHARES in Virginia Beach?! I wonder what they got in exchange for sitting through that sales pitch...
What do YOU think? Do you believe the research? Or are you like me, a local that can't believe people would actually spend money to spend time in her hometown.