Visitor spending and economic impact in Culpeper
CULPEPER, VA – Direct visitor spending in Culpeper reached $79.1 million in 2025, up 1.6 percent from 2024. When indirect and induced activity is included, tourism’s total economic impact in Culpeper reached $123.3 million, supported approximately 994 jobs across the local economy and generated $4.4 million in local tax revenue.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), tourism in Virginia generated a record-high $36.2 billion in visitor spending in 2025. Visitor spending increased 3.1 percent, or $1.1 billion, over the previous year, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in visitor spending.
Virginia welcomed a record 46.6 million domestic and international overnight visitors, marking an increase of nearly one million visitors and the second consecutive year of record visitation. Visitors spent $99 million per day in Virginia, up from $96 million the previous year, with dining, recreation, and other experience-based spending fueling much of that growth as travelers continued to prioritize meaningful travel experiences.
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In Culpeper, visitors spent an average of $216,721 per day in 2025, supporting businesses throughout the local economy. Food and beverage represented the largest share of visitor spending at $31 million, followed by $18.3 million in lodging and $9.3 million in recreation. Together, these expenditures demonstrate the important role visitor activity plays in supporting Culpeper’s restaurants, accommodations, attractions and experiences, while generating economic activity that extends throughout the community.
“The most exciting part of these numbers is seeing what they look like on the ground in Culpeper,” said Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism. “They look like a new restaurant opening its doors, an existing business investing in its next chapter, and Heritage Park welcoming people into a new community space. Visitors spent $31 million on food and beverage alone last year, and every one of those dollars represents an interaction with a Culpeper business, employee or entrepreneur. That visitor spending supports continued investment in our community, giving people more reasons to come, more reasons to stay and, ultimately, more reasons to return.”
“For the fourth year in a row, we’re celebrating another record, and that kind of sustained growth speaks to the strength and resilience of Virginia’s tourism industry,” said President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny. “From coast to cliff, visitors are discovering everything Virginia has to offer, and our tourism partners are delivering the experiences that keep them coming back. Around the clock and across the Commonwealth, our visitor economy never stops. With our hotel performance already outpacing the nation in 2026, we’re building on this momentum and looking forward to another strong year for Virginia tourism.”
Culpeper’s 2025 tourism economic impact reflects a visitor economy that continues to evolve alongside the destination itself. New and expanded experiences, continued investment in tourism infrastructure and a growing mix of dining, recreation, history and cultural offerings are creating more ways for visitors to experience Culpeper; and more reasons to extend their stay, explore beyond downtown and return for something new.
VTC receives its annual economic impact data from Tourism Economics. The information is based on domestic and international visitor spending from per-person trips. Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. Detailed economic impact data and methodology are available at vatc.org/research.
About Culpeper Tourism
Culpeper Tourism is responsible for promoting and marketing Culpeper as an attractive travel destination, enhancing the community’s public image as a dynamic place to not only visit, but live, work and play. Through the impact of travel, we strengthen Culpeper’s economic position and provide opportunities for our citizens.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
