North Carolina Sees Record Tourism Spending, Retains Top 5 Ranking

Overview of North Carolina’s Tourism Boom

North Carolina’s tourism industry has set a remarkable record, achieving over $36.7 billion in spending during the year 2024. This figure reflects a noteworthy enhancement from the previous year’s spending of $35.6 billion. It demonstrates the resilience of the state’s tourism economy, particularly in the face of challenges such as Hurricane Helene.

Governor’s Insights on Tourism Growth

Governor Josh Stein praised North Carolina as a prime travel destination, stating, “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit.” He highlighted how various regions within the state, from the mountains to the coast, played a significant role in this growth. His emphasis on the need to support tourism and small businesses, especially in western North Carolina, resonates with the state’s long-term recovery strategy.

National Travel and Tourism Week

Coinciding with the tourism announcement, National Travel and Tourism Week takes place from May 4-10. This event celebrates the invaluable contributions of travel to local and national economies, enhancing community well-being while encouraging travel professionals to promote their regions actively.

Economic Impact of Tourism in North Carolina

In 2024, the tourism-supported workforce in North Carolina grew by 1.4%, reaching a total of 230,338 jobs. Payrolls within the tourism sector also saw an increase of 2.6%, amounting to $9.5 billion. Such robust visitor spending has bolstered tax revenues for state and local governments, which are expected to nearly reach $2.7 billion.

Research-Backed Findings

The statistics around this growth stem from research commissioned by Visit North Carolina, an initiative of the Economic Development Partnership. Conducted by Tourism Economics, the study employed multiple data sources, including data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and various visitor profiles, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of tourism’s economic footprint.

Visitor Insights and Destination Rankings

North Carolina remains a popular choice among travelers, attracting nearly 40 million visitors annually, which positions the state as the fifth most visited in the U.S., trailing only California, Florida, Texas, and New York. The competition for this rank has been tight, especially with states like Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

• 2024 Domestic Visitor Spending: $35.6 billion
• 2024 International Visitor Spending: $1.2 billion
• Increase in International Visitors: 16.5%
• Total Visitors: Over 900,000 international travelers

Benefits of Tourism for Local Communities

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted that all areas in North Carolina benefit from tourism expenditures. From bustling cities to small towns, tourism translates into jobs for over 50,000 small businesses. These businesses encompass vital services like transportation, accommodation, dining, shopping, and recreation, which provide essential avenues for employment in the community.

Tax Savings Through Visitor Expenditures

Each household in North Carolina averages savings of $593 in local and state taxes as a result of visitor spending. Such savings highlight the tangible financial benefits rendered by a healthy tourism economy and its capacity to alleviate the tax burden on residents.

Exciting Growth Statistics

For those following the details on this growth, here’s a quick snapshot:

Visit North Carolina’s Tourism Structure

As North Carolina continues to attract millions, plans are underway to delve deeper into local and regional statistics to shed light on how events like Hurricane Helene impact tourism. Preliminary findings, coupled with continuous analysis, will enable better support for vulnerable areas.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina’s ranking as the fifth most visited state is a testament to its rich offerings in tourism, ranging from stunning natural landscapes to vibrant city life. Even with all the impressive statistics and analyses, there’s nothing quite like firsthand experiences. On GetExperience.com, the opportunity to book from verified providers ensures travelers receive the best deal and wide-ranging options that align with their preferences.

Ultimately, as travel experiences evolve, North Carolina stands poised to capture even more attention. From thrilling adventure activities to cultural museum tours with live guides, this state offers countless opportunities for tourists. So, whether it’s luxury adventures or eco-friendly wildlife safaris, select a fitting package and book your trip today with GetExperience.com.