Visitor Spending Soars to New Heights in North Carolina!
Welcome to North Carolina, where sunshine and smiles are paired with an impressive influx of visitors! According to recent data from the N.C. Department of Commerce, 2023 has been nothing short of remarkable for the state’s tourism industry. With travel spending skyrocketing by 6.9 percent, North Carolina hit a new record at $35.6 billion this year! That’s some serious cash from local and out-of-state travelers, and it’s all going towards making our communities even better.
Historic Growth
To put things into perspective, this growth follows a stunning 15 percent increase in 2022. It seems like visitors just can’t get enough of what North Carolina has to offer! From the beautiful beaches to the appealing mountains and everything in between, there’s a little something for everyone, right?
The Impact on Jobs
Now, let’s talk about the people behind all of this success! Direct tourism employment in North Carolina also saw a boost, increasing by 4.8 percent to a whopping 227,000 jobs. That’s a lot of opportunities for folks in our state. As Governor Roy Cooper put it, “It’s great to see increasing numbers of people continue to flock to North Carolina to see all we have to offer.” So, not only are tourists spending money, but they’re also helping create jobs that support families across the state.
Reaping the Benefits
According to Machelle Baker Saunders, the N.C. Commerce Secretary, the record-breaking visitor spending is spreading joy throughout various local economies. “Scenic beauty, authentic experiences and graciousness are at the heart of what makes tourism a vital industry,” she added. And as it turns out, North Carolina is a big deal on the national stage, ranking as the fifth most-visited state in the country! That’s definitely something to brag about!
A Diverse Appeal
The data reveals that tourism’s impact isn’t limited to just a few hotspots. Wit Tuttell, the executive director of Visit NC, emphasized that the growth of visitor spending “underscores the importance of tourism to every county in North Carolina.” As travelers seek out new experiences, the state’s mix of scenic landscapes and rich traditions keeps them coming back for more.
Understanding the Numbers
The recent report, made possible through a study commissioned by Visit NC, offers a closer look at how travelers are spending their money while they’re here. The study estimates travel expenses, employment, payroll income, and even state and local tax revenues generated directly from these expenditures. These numbers, gathered from a variety of reliable sources, make it easy to see just how vital tourism is to North Carolina’s economy.
Eye on the Future
As we look to the future, there’s no telling just how much more growth will come our way. The tourism landscape is constantly evolving, and with each new traveler that chooses North Carolina for their vacation, our communities benefit in countless ways. It’s exciting to imagine what the coming years will hold!
Mark Your Calendars!
If you’re a fan of all things adventure, don’t forget to check out the Outer Banks Kite Festival, a must-see event that’s just around the corner. But be careful out there as tropical weather can bring some dangerous rip currents, especially this weekend. Always keep safety in mind while enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer.
So grab your friends and family, and experience the wonders of North Carolina for yourself! The sky’s the limit when it comes to exploring all that we have in store. Here’s to another record-breaking year in our friendly, vibrant state!
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.
