The state's tourism-supported workforce grew 0.3 percent, reaching more than 230,000 jobs, while tourism payroll increased 3.5 percent to $9.8 billion. Visitor spending generated more than $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenues.
Governor Stein highlighted the state's resilience following Hurricane Helene, noting that record visitor spending shows strong demand for North Carolina's beaches, mountains, and attractions. He emphasized tourism's role in supporting jobs, small businesses, and economic growth across all 100 counties.
North Carolina ranked seventh nationally in domestic visitation, behind California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Domestic travelers drove most of the spending, while international visitors contributed $1.1 billion, a 2.8 percent decline from 2024.
In total, domestic and international visitors spent $37.2 billion, a 1.3 percent increase over the previous year. Visitors also generated $4.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, up 2.5 percent from 2024.
On average, visitors spent more than $101 million per day in North Carolina, producing $7.5 million daily in state and local tax revenue. This includes roughly $3.8 million in state taxes and $3.7 million in local taxes.
According to NC Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, tourism supports nearly 50,000 small businesses statewide. As a result of visitor spending, each North Carolina household saved an average of $605 in state and local taxes, with per capita savings of $244.
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