News Summary
North Carolina has set a new record in tourism revenue, reaching $36.7 billion for 2024, a significant increase from $35.6 billion the previous year. With around 40 million visitors despite facing Hurricanes Helene and Debby, the state remains a favorite travel destination. The Outer Banks and Blue Ridge Mountains continue to captivate travelers, complemented by a 16.5% rise in international tourism. The sector supports over 230,000 jobs and generates substantial tax revenues, underscoring its vital role in the state’s economy.
North Carolina has set a remarkable record in its tourism sector, achieving a revenue of $36.7 billion for 2024. This figure represents a notable increase from the previous year’s record of $35.6 billion, showcasing the state’s resilience and appeal even in the face of challenges presented by hurricanes.
In the past year, despite facing the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Debby, approximately 40 million travelers visited North Carolina, making it the fifth most popular state in the United States for domestic travel, following California, Florida, Texas, and New York. The state’s natural beauty, extensive outdoor activities, and diverse cultural experiences continue to attract millions of visitors each year.
The Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge Mountains remain among the most sought-after destinations, captivating visitors with their stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. Additionally, North Carolina reported a 16.5% increase in international tourism, welcoming over 900,000 international visitors who spent approximately $1.2 billion in the state.
The data regarding tourism spending was compiled by Tourism Economics and commissioned by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). The report highlights the supportive role of the tourism industry in North Carolina’s economy, maintaining approximately 230,338 jobs, a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the payroll for tourism-related jobs totaled around $9.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a 2.6% increase.
From the tourism revenue generated, state and local governments benefitted from nearly $2.7 billion in tax revenues, providing an average savings of $593 per household in state and local taxes. This economic infusion significantly supports over 50,000 small businesses spread across all 100 counties in North Carolina, underscoring the importance of tourism in fostering local economies.
The release of the positive tourism figures coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week celebrations, which recognized the sector’s contributions to both the economy and the community. Events such as Artposture and Brewgaloo held in the Triangle area play a critical role in drawing diverse groups of visitors, demonstrating the significance of engaging events in enhancing tourism appeal.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the importance of ongoing support for tourism and small businesses, especially in western North Carolina as they recover from the hurdles posed by hurricanes. The post-COVID-19 recovery has influenced travelers’ preferences, leading many to seek out outdoor and nature-focused experiences, which align with North Carolina’s offerings.
To gain a deeper understanding of the implications of the hurricanes on tourism, a supplemental report is set to provide regional and local visitor data later in the year. North Carolina’s varied attractions, from mountain sports and fall foliage to coastal retreats and urban culture, cater to a broad spectrum of visitors, helping the state maintain its status as a prime travel destination.
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New Dining Destinations Open in Outer Banks
Dare County Board of Education Honors Local Achievements
New Legislation Targets Coastal Erosion in North Carolina
Dare County Tourism Board Meeting Highlights Community Initiatives
Additional Resources
- ABC11
- Wikipedia: Tourism in North Carolina
- Carolina Journal
- Google Search: North Carolina tourism
- WECT
- Google Scholar: North Carolina tourism trends
- Travel and Tour World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- WRAL
- Google News: North Carolina tourism 2024
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
