North Carolina Sets New Tourism Spending Record, Ranking #5 in Visitor Numbers

The Resilience of North Carolina’s Tourism Sector

In 2024, North Carolina’s tourism economy demonstrated remarkable recovery, with travelers spending over $36.7 billion both in the state and during their travels. This figure surpasses the previous record of $35.6 billion achieved in 2023, showcasing the region’s enduring appeal.

Governor’s Insights on Tourism Growth

Governor Josh Stein remarked, “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit.” The state’s mountain regions worked diligently to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, while the Piedmont and coastal areas remained popular destinations, contributing significantly to this record-breaking achievement. It’s crucial to continue supporting the tourism sector and small businesses, particularly in western North Carolina, to strengthen their recovery efforts.

National Travel and Tourism Week Highlights

This announcement aligns with National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), an event where travel and tourism professionals across the nation unite to highlight the industry’s value. Various activities at the state’s Welcome Centers are hosted throughout the week to celebrate and promote tourism.

Employment and Economic Impact

The tourism-supported workforce in North Carolina rose by 1.4 percent, bringing the total to 230,338 jobs in 2024. Additionally, tourism-related wages increased by 2.6 percent, totaling $9.5 billion. Notably, state and local governments realized a significant boost in tax revenues, reaching nearly $2.7 billion due to visitor spending.

Comprehensive Economic Research Findings

These statistics originate from preliminary findings commissioned by Visit North Carolina through Tourism Economics. This in-depth research fibered through various credible sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and labor statistics, to account for the entirety of the visitor economy in detail.

Visitor Data and Future Reports

The figures presented reflect a statewide overview; forthcoming reports will dive deeper into regional and local visitation data later this year, providing greater insights into Hurricane Helene’s impacts specifically on western North Carolina. This granular data can assist in shaping future recovery strategies for affected areas.

Ranking and Visitor Demographics

North Carolina continues to hold the impressive title as the 5th most visited state in the U.S., following California, Florida, Texas, and New York, welcoming nearly 40 million visitors from all over the country. Over the past few years, competition from Pennsylvania and Tennessee for this coveted position has intensified. Importantly, international travel to North Carolina has also seen growth, with over 900,000 international travelers, leading to a 16.5 percent increase in spending, close to $1.2 billion.

General Welfare Benefits

As a result of tourism, North Carolina households save an average of $593 on taxes each year. These savings emphasize the economic importance of the tourism industry to residents across the state.

Spending Breakdown

Visit North Carolina’s Role

The official destination marketing organization, Visit North Carolina, operates under the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Its mission is to strengthen North Carolina’s reputation as a premier choice for leisure travel, meetings, conventions, and sports events, as well as film production. This commitment has resulted in 40 million annual visitors who contribute around $37 billion to the local economy.

Conclusione

North Carolina’s tourism industry not only thrives on the strong visitor spending but also fosters local job creation and tax revenue. The emphasis on tourism illuminates its significant role in supporting local communities and enhancing the overall travel landscape. Tourists continue to be drawn to the state’s diverse offerings, ensuring that North Carolina remains a favorite for adventure, culture, and hospitality. Visitors can benefit from various taxi and transfer options to navigate their journeys conveniently. That’s where GetTransfer.com fits seamlessly into the equation. With its transparent services, users can select vehicles based on their preferences, ensuring the right choices for their travel needs. By choosing GetTransfer, travelers can secure their local transfers at competitive prices—making their travel experiences as smooth as possible. Book your ride on GetTransfer.com and enjoy the convenience today!