Luray Valley Museum Brings Tourists and Jobs to Page County

People around the Valley made a trip to Luray Caverns Saturday for the grand opening of the Luray Valley Museum and to celebrate the 132nd anniversary of the caverns' discovery.

People from around the world have traveled to Page County to see the natural wonder.

Tourism has a $59 million impact on the Page County economy and one-third of all tourism-related jobs are at the caverns.

"Luray Caverns remains a bright shining beacon, especially in these tough economic times and a magnet for commerce and tourism here in the Shenandoah Valley," remarks Del. Todd Gilbert (R-15th) during the grand opening ceremony.

"Small businesses are actually the backbone of Virginia's economy and for that matter America's economy. We still have 75 to 80 percent of the jobs in our economy today that are created by small business owners just like the Graves family here at Luray Caverns," comments Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

Officials were also quick to point out that the new museum didn't cost taxpayers any money. It was completely funded by Luray Caverns and is expected to bring in more tax revenue from tourists.