ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The number of tourists and travelers is skyrocketing nationwide, and here in Roanoke, the numbers are skyrocketing as well.
Holidays typically mean more travelers, but Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport was already seeing an increase in travel even before the Fourth of July holiday. According to the airport, travel numbers are up 7% from the same time last year.
“Traditionally the airport has relied on business travelers, but we’re starting to see a rise in tourism,” said Mike Stewart, executive director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, “both due to local efforts to promote outdoor activities and also because people seem tired of being stuck at home, whether it’s due to the pandemic or not.”
Despite the high prices of basic goods and the corresponding rise in airfares, people seem willing to shell out the cash for short getaways.
“Prices have gone up 3.3 percent on average, but people are still willing to pay,” said Mahmood Khan, a professor of hospitality and tourism management at Virginia Tech.
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So why here? What draws visitors to this valley?
“What sets us apart is our location in a metropolitan mountain area,” said Catherine Lucas, director of public affairs for the Virginia Tourism Office’s Blue Ridge office. “Roanoke City is a great base for fine dining and boutique hotels, but we’re also just 15 minutes away from Appalachian trail hikes and world-class paddling.”
“We live in a great area, and for Roanoke County to be strong, the city of Roanoke has to be strong, and vice versa,” said Eric Sichau, president and CEO of the Roanoke Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important to continue to remind people why we are the place to live, work, play and raise our families.”
Officials say the more they do this, the more options local residents will have for flying to and from Roanoke.
“If passenger numbers continue to grow, the airlines will get the message,” Stewart said. “That’s where I continue to make the point: We have a great thing here, and the more we promote it in areas where people need to fly to get here, the more it will continue to grow.”
