Craft Beer Businesses Benefit Virginia's Tourism Economy

August is a big month for local beer drinkers, and hundreds of breweries, restaurants and small businesses across the state are gearing up to celebrate the third annual “Love on Tap: August Virginia Craft Beer Month.”

Virginia’s state tourism plan considers craft breweries and distilleries as growing tourist attractions. The state’s craft beer business employs more than 8,000 Virginians at 82 breweries and has an economic impact of more than $622 million, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

“Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation, but it’s also at the heart of every carefully-crafted Virginia beer at more than 82 breweries and counting,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Across the state, craft breweries are offering an exceptional travel experience for beer lovers, outdoor lovers, and culinary enthusiasts.

“Virginia is fast becoming the prime East Coast destination for travelers looking for local flavor. Craft beer is also a multimillion dollar industry, contributing positively to the economies of small towns and big cities across the Commonwealth.”

Cities like St. Paul hope to enhance their tourism efforts by targeting beer drinkers visiting the Spearhead Trails and the Clinch River. Cities like Abingdon, Afton and Salem recently opened breweries and Bristol, Floyd and Glade Spring are expecting to open new brewery locations this year, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Virginia’s tourism office offers an interactive map of craft breweries offering tastings, tours and special events through August. The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild offers a calendar of daily events happening around the Commonwealth.