Tourism spending jumps in Charlottesville area

Tourists visiting the Charlottesville area spent $435 million in 2007 — a 6.7 jump over the previous year, according to a report released Monday by the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Direct spending by domestic travelers supported 4,957 jobs and generated $85 million in wages. The industry also generated $15 million in local taxes, such as sales and property taxes.

Overall, Virginia’s tourism industry generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2007.