They also contributed more than $80 million in state and local tax revenue that same year.
The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit NC, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
A different study found that Durham County opened its doors to a record 13.2 million visitors in 2024.
"The economic impact of tourism isn't always obvious," said Susan Amey, president and CEO of Discover Durham.
"Approximately two-thirds of food and beverage jobs are directly supported by tourism, which puts into perspective how so many of our favorite, locally owned small businesses are sustained by visitors."
Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Durham County was $317 million, a $13 million increase from 2023.