Virginia's Blue Ridge lodging industry hits record numbers in revenue

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The rise of tourism in the region is nothing new.

Now Virginia's Blue Ridge lodging industry is hitting record numbers in revenue, and it's being attributed to an increased number of sports events.

"We hosted more NCAA tournaments in the region than any place else in American other than Omaha, Nebraska, explained President of Virginia's Blue Ridge Landon Howard.

This past year, room revenue totaled to more than $100 million.

Due to the increased room demand and revenues, the region is experiencing new hotel development, especially as more sports events are scheduled for this year.