Charlotte

North Carolina has reported record-breaking visitor spending of $36.7 billion in 2024, showcasing the resilience of its tourism industry in the face of challenges such as Hurricane Helene. This significant increase marks a continuing trend of growth in visitor expenditures across the state, with 71 out of 100 counties witnessing an upsurge in spending.

County Highlights

Mecklenburg County led the state with an impressive $6.4 billion in travel expenditures, constituting 17.3% of total visitor spending in North Carolina. This amount reflects a remarkable growth of approximately 9% from 2023. Following closely was Wake County with $3.5 billion, and Durham County reported $1.2 billion in spending, ranking seventh.

Financial Breakdown

The surge in visitor spending is largely attributed to domestic travelers, who collectively accounted for $35.6 billion, signifying a 2.7% increase from the prior year. Notably, international visitors contributed $1.2 billion, reflecting a robust 16.5% increase from 2023. On average, tourists spent over $100 million each day in the state, translating to approximately $7.3 million in daily tax revenue, split evenly between state and local taxes.

Impact of Hurricane Helene

Despite the tourism industry’s challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, several key attractions managed to pull in visitors. The report showed that the tourism sector remained resilient, with many areas in North Carolina, especially the coastal, Piedmont, and western regions, continuing to draw tourists.

Job Creation and Local Contributions

The thriving tourism industry in Mecklenburg County led to the creation of 37,985 jobs, marking a 4.6% increase from 2023 and generating over $2 billion in payroll. The visitor spending reported reflects a balanced contribution from both urban and rural areas, with nearby counties such as Cabarrus, Lincoln, Union, and Gaston also reporting increased spending.

Economic Factors and Background Context

The annual study conducted by Visit NC, which is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, captures these statistics. This year’s report included data gathered in the months following Hurricane Helene, although a thorough assessment of the hurricane’s impact was not fully captured. Certain western counties, including Henderson, Haywood, and Cherokee, reported increased visitor spending, despite some areas experiencing a downturn.

As North Carolina continues to thrive as a key tourist destination, it underscores the importance of both domestic and international travel expenditures, which significantly boost local economies, employment, and payroll income. The state’s diverse attractions, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Outer Banks, remain pivotal in attracting visitors and maintaining growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key Features of Visitor Spending in North Carolina