The opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth coupled with one of the best years for bookings at the Renaissance Portsmouth Waterfront Hotel marked 2023 as a big year for the city’s tourism.
City leaders are looking to build on that momentum. But the increased visitation to the city over the past several years also reinforces a big need: demand for more hotel rooms. City leaders say they’re up for the challenge.
“It is a good problem, but it is a problem,” said Portsmouth Tourism Director Keith Toler.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation reports that Portsmouth saw $138.3 million in direct visitor spending in 2023 — a 118% increase from 2022. Direct local tourism-related taxes totaled $5.6 million.
