A representative of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge reported to Roanoke City Council on Oct. 6 that 2023 and 2024 were record years for tourism in the region, generating more than $1.4 billion in regional economic impact and surpassing pre‑COVID records.

The presentation was delivered as a briefing and the transcript does not record a named presenter; the organization’s report was described as documenting multi‑year gains. The briefing was informational and did not include formal council action in the transcript excerpt.

No detailed breakdowns of visitation numbers, tax revenue, or methodology for the economic‑impact estimate are recorded in the transcript excerpt provided. The council did not record a vote or motion tied to the briefing in the excerpt.