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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Fogg,
Director of Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600
Fairfax County Businesses Benefit From County Visitors Center and Vibrant Tourism Market
Visitors Center Makes Nearly 32,000 Referrals to County Businesses Almost Double the Number of Referrals in 1997
Fairfax County, Virginia, March 15, 1999 — The Fairfax County Visitors Center referred nearly 32,000 visitors during 1998 to the County’s small businesses, hotels, restaurants and retail establishments, according to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). This is nearly twice the number of referrals that were made to County businesses in 1997 by the center. The Visitors Center attracted more than 55,000 visitors during 1998 at its Lorton, Virginia location.
In recognition of the Visitors Center’s recent success, Jerry Gordon, president of the FCEDA stated, "Fairfax County’s tourism and hospitality community benefits directly from the increasing number of referrals made by the Visitors Center. This win-win situation is a clear indication that Fairfax County has a vibrant tourism market and that it is clearly a premier business and leisure destination."
Statewide, tourism in Virginia is an almost $10 billion industry. Tourism in Fairfax County — an estimated $1.3 billion industry — is one of the most important sectors of the County’s economy.
Re-opened in Spring 1997, the Visitors Center has a unique agreement with the Comfort Inn Gunston Corner. The Fairfax County Conventions and Visitors Bureau, through the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, receives $60,000 annually from the County to fund the Visitors Center. As part of the strategic partnership, the Comfort Inn provides the space, parking and security, allowing the Center to run at less than half its previous budget.
The Visitors Center is located near the historic Route 1 area of Fairfax County, with easy access to and from Interstate 95. The Visitors Center also serves as an information resource for County residents.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a division of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). The Authority provides services and information designed to promote Fairfax County as a business location for domestic and international companies and organizations. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, provides information for employees relocating to Fairfax County and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic statistics. For more information, visit FCEDA’s Web page at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org.
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