Travel and visitor industry to be celebrated on Tourism Day at Nevada Legislature
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 9:10am
CARSON CITY — As Nevada’s policymakers convene for the 82nd Legislative Session, the legislative body also takes the opportunity to learn more about the industries and agencies that drive and support the economic engine of the state.
On Feb. 13, Travel Nevada, part of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, aims to boost awareness about travel and tourism through Tourism Day at the Nevada Legislature. Industry and agency partners will gather to educate, showcase, and celebrate the industry to demonstrate how Tourism Means More in Nevada.
“As travelers visit a destination, not only do they depart with memories of a great vacation, but they leave an impact on the local communities they visit, actualized by increased tax generation and spending,” said Brenda Scolari, Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “In 2021, visitors had a significant impact on our economy as the state was recovering from the pandemic. Whether they came to experience Las Vegas, Reno, our excellent outdoor recreation, or to drive our open roads and explore the small businesses in our rural towns, Nevada residents felt the benefits.”
The latest data indicates that the more than 43 million visitors to the Silver State had a $62.5 billion impact on the 2021 economy, $39.4 billion in direct spending, and $23.2 billion in indirect and induced impacts, continuing the state’s recovery. With an increase of more than $18.6 billion in visitor spending over the prior year, spending recovered to 93% of 2019 levels after the 2020 declines.
Visitor spending, visitor supported jobs, and business sales generated $10.1 billion in government revenues in 2021 and state and local taxes alone tallied $4.4 billion, taking the burden from Nevada families.
Tourism and travel in Nevada supported one in five jobs in 2021; 355,361 jobs that were directly and indirectly impacted by visitor spending, encompassing key industries that depend on visitors. As the chief marketing entity of the state, Travel Nevada is one of the only state agencies to generate money for the General Fund each year without drawing any money from it. The Nevada Division of Tourism is funded by 3/8 of one percent of state lodging tax. The remaining 5/8 is retained by the local community in which it’s collected boosting the local economy.
Travel Nevada continues to promote scenic road trips, cultural events, and developing destinations to provide quality of life to all Nevadans.
