Nevada was riding high last year. New preliminary findings released by the Nevada Division of Tourism (TravelNevada), indicate that visitors to Nevada spent $1.4 billion more in 2016 than they did the year before.

“Historically tourism has been the major engine of Nevada’s economy,” said Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison, who is also the chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. “Today’s preliminary report underscores the fundamental role that tourism plays in Nevada and serves as a testament to the industry’s strength and longevity.”

Total visitor spending for the year topped $65.8 billion, an increase of 2.2 per cent over 2015. Of that number, some $3.23 billion was generated in state and local taxes. Nearly one-third of the state’s tax revenues come from tourism spending.

Travel spending also supported nearly a half million (492,300) jobs throughout Nevada, an increase of 1 per cent over the previous year. Nearly 29 per cent of Nevada’s entire workforce is employed in a tourism industry job.

“TravelNevada’s budget does not draw from the General Fund, so it does not compete with other vital agencies and services for Nevadans,” said Claudia Vecchio, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “When we see year-over-year increases in visitation, travel-related tax revenue, and new job creation, we are proud that we’re serving our state and bettering the economy for all Nevadans.”

The report is a preliminary one, commissioned by TravelNevads in partnership with Dean Runyan Associates, a tourism economic analysis and market research firm. The report compiled tourism numbers through November 2016 and also included projected numbers for December 2016. The final report will be available in spring, and it expected to align itself with the preliminary findings, as there was no noticeable downturns in visitation in December 2016.

TravelNevada is the marketing arm of the state of Nevada and is funded by the Tourism Promotion Fund. It receives 3/8 of the 1 per cent state lodging tax. The remaining 5/8 of the funds are shared among local visitors bureaus and fair boards.

For more information, visit www.travelnevada.biz.

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