MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Recent data shows North Carolina had another record breaking year for tourism in 2023.
Travelers spent $35.6 billion in the Tar Heel state, with the most money being spent in Mecklenburg County.
In 2023, about $5.8 billion in tourism dollars was spent in Mecklenburg County. The top spending categories were food and beverage, transportation and lodging.
According to an annual study by Visit NC, travel spending statewide increased by 6.9% to set a new record.
Visit NC attributes the boost to the state’s scenic beauty, a mix of tradition and innovation and a welcoming spirit -- and the impact can be seen in how it’s contributed to the workforce and tax base as well.
Visitors spent more than $97 million per day in 2023, adding $7.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues.
Direct tourism employment also went up statewide – with Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties seeing some of the most growth in tourism employees.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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