What Else Will You Discover at Luray Caverns? Local Jobs!

Luray Caverns Salutes Its Employees During 27th Annual National Travel & Tourism Week

LURAY, Va., May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Travel Association reports that travel and tourism is one of America's largest industries with $111 billion generated in tax revenue for local and federal governments through travelers' spending. Though its workforce has declined as a result of the prolonged recession, the industry expects to add 90,000 new American jobs in 2010 to the more than 10 million people who already depend on travel for their jobs.

In Virginia alone, the travel and tourism industry supports more than 210,000 jobs each year with direct and indirect earnings of $4.4 billion, according to 2008 figures.  And with an increase in visitation to natural parks and attractions, Page County's Luray Caverns continues to make a significant impact on the local and state economy.

"Luray Caverns is proud to employ a third of the individuals who earn their living from the travel and tourism industry each year in Page County," says John Graves, President of Luray Caverns Corporation. "As we continue to grow, it is vital that we continue to focus on the value of travel to the Shenandoah Valley as we show our visitors all there is to discover."

Formed more than 400 million years ago and first discovered in 1878, Luray Caverns is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders attracting one-half million visitors annually from around the globe. In addition to touring the underground U.S. Natural Landmark, visitors to Luray Caverns may also explore its Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, the Garden Maze, the Caverns Country Club Resort and the new Luray Valley Museum – an intriguing and thorough presentation which opened in April 2010 that celebrates early Shenandoah Valley culture – all located nearby on the attraction's grounds.

To discover all that Luray Caverns and the surrounding area have to offer, visit www.luraycaverns.com.

SOURCE Luray Caverns