Bristol, Virginia, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Virginia is witnessing an impressive increase in tourism spending, surging by 14% to reach $179.7 million in 2024 compared to 2023. This growth, driven largely by the Hard Rock Bristol casino’s new poker room, positions Bristol as a leader in tourism recovery after the pandemic. The city ranks 10th in Virginia for tourism spending increases since 2020, with recreation, food, and beverage represented as the top spending categories. Overall, tourism is supporting nearly 1,300 jobs and generating significant tax revenue, benefitting the local economy.
Bristol, Virginia has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism spending for 2024, with a reported increase of 14% compared to the previous year, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Tourism spending in Bristol rose significantly to $179.7 million for 2024, up from $108.7 million in 2023.
Alan Thompson, vice president of gaming operations at Hard Rock Bristol, noted that the casino’s new 14-table poker room has contributed positively to this increase in tourist spending. Dan Roberts, vice president of research and strategy at the Virginia Tourism Corporation, highlighted Bristol’s strong performance, showcasing substantial visitor spending growth compared to previous years.
Bristol now ranks 10th among 133 localities in Virginia based on the percentage increase in tourism recovery since the pandemic began in 2020. Visitor spending soared from $70 million in 2019 to $94.5 million in 2022, and in 2024, Bristol became the top locality in Virginia for visitor spending relative to pre-pandemic levels.
The breakdown of spending in Bristol illustrates that recreation expenses made up 38.8% of total tourist expenditure, amounting to $69.8 million in 2024. Food and beverage expenditures accounted for 28.2%, totaling $50.7 million, while lodging represented 18% with $32.3 million spent. Additional spending included $15.9 million on transportation (8.8%) and $11.1 million on retail sales (6.2%).
Roberts indicated that the influx of visitors to Hard Rock Bristol significantly boosts the recreation sector’s spending in the city. Mayor Becky Nave expressed optimism regarding the tourism figures and the potential for continued revenue growth, which may help lower local taxes.
Overall, spending growth in sectors outside of recreation saw an 18.5% increase, rising from $92.7 million in 2023 to $109.9 million in 2024. Tourism supported nearly 1,300 jobs in Bristol this year, substantially increasing from about 900 jobs in 2022. The total visitor spending generated over $21 million in taxes in 2024, with $14.3 million coming from state sales tax and various other taxes contributing to local revenue streams.
This influx of tourism also equated to an estimated $933 offset in taxes per average household in the city, positioning Bristol 7th for local tax offset per household. The comprehensive economic impact analysis incorporates data sourced from the Virginia Lottery and tax revenues reported by the auditor of public accounts.
Analysts attribute the considerable growth partly to Hard Rock’s complete operations following the temporary casino’s launch in July 2022, culminating in a notable increase in spending during the year’s final months. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol features a sizeable gaming area, a 2,000-plus seat entertainment venue, and various dining options, all of which heighten the overall tourism experience.
Mayor Nave looks forward to the continued prospects of tourism and revenue growth in the years ahead, particularly with the full year’s operation of the Hard Rock facility.
FAQ
What was the increase in tourism spending in Bristol for 2024?
Tourism spending in Bristol rose to $179.7 million in 2024, a 14% increase from $108.7 million in 2023.
How much did recreation spending account for in Bristol’s total tourist expenditure in 2024?
Recreation spending constituted 38.8% of the total tourist expenditure, amounting to $69.8 million in 2024.
How many jobs did tourism support in Bristol in 2024?
Tourism supported nearly 1,300 jobs in Bristol in 2024, a substantial increase from about 900 jobs in 2022.
What was the tax revenue generated from tourism spending in Bristol for 2024?
Total visitor spending generated over $21 million in taxes in 2024, including $14.3 million in state sales tax and various other taxes.
Key Features of Bristol Tourism Spending in 2024
| Aspect | Amount | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tourism Spending | $179.7 million | 100% |
| Recreation Spending | $69.8 million | 38.8% |
| Food & Beverage Spending | $50.7 million | 28.2% |
| Lodging Spending | $32.3 million | 18% |
| Transportation Spending | $15.9 million | 8.8% |
| Retail Sales Spending | $11.1 million | 6.2% |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Courier
- Wikipedia: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- Southern Living
- Google Search: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- Lootpress
- Google Scholar: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- PR Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- Travel and Tour World
- Google News: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
