DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The latest latest ‘Visit Dallas’ economic impact study finds that the tourism industry generated $7.2 billion in economic impact for the city of Dallas in 2021, showing a significant rebound from COVID-19-related losses. Looking ahead, the group that promotes tourism in Dallas believes total visitor volume and spending will fully recover to their pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
According to the study, 22.5 million visitors spent $4.4 billion across Dallas in 2021, generating a total economic impact of $7.2 billion for the city and its residents. This impact sustained more than 43,000 jobs and generated $421 million in state and local tax revenue.
“The tourism industry is the tenth-largest industry in Dallas and a critical economic engine for the city, generating tax revenue and jobs that residents rely on,” said Craig Davis, President and CEO of Visit Dallas. “The results of this study show the value of the travel sector in terms of direct visitor spending, as well as the total economic impacts in the broader economy. I’m thrilled that the reports shows that Dallas is recovering faster than expected, bringing necessary revenue back to the city.”
Visitor volume and spending increased significantly in 2021
After the devastating COVID-related economic declines of previous years, 2021 was a year of recovery and growth as travel confidence rebounded. With an increase of more than 3.6 million visitors over the previous year, total visitation recovered to about 78% of 2019 (pre-pandemic) volume. As we wrap up 2022, visitation is expected to reach 95% of 2019 levels, with full recovery in 2023.
According to Visit Dallas, visitors spent $4.4 billion across a range of sectors in 2021, including accommodations, food and beverage, recreation, retail shopping, local transportation and air travel, generating billions of dollars in economic impact for the city.
Visitor spending expanded by 41% in 2021, recovering to 77% of 2019 levels, according to Visit Dallas. By the close of 2022, spending is expected to reach 99% of 2019 levels.
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