Overseas Spending in Virginia Hits Record High

Virginia is for lovers – and spenders from overseas.

Overseas visitor spending in the commonwealth hit a record $425 million for 2012, a 9 percent increase from 2011.

Canadians last year aided Virginia’s economy with overnight visitation up 3 percent and spending up more than 4 percent, totaling about $155 million.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, the Survey of International Air Travelers and Statistics Canada provide the annual economic data.

The data follow Gov. Bob McDonnell’s announcement in September that revenue from domestic visitors to Virginia hit a record $21.2 billion in 2012, a 4 percent increase over 2011, according to the U.S. Travel Association.