The department said international events, such as The Soccer Tournament, contributed to the rise, and there's a ranking that's coming out in the next few months that could further boost the economy.
"Tourism's back. There's no doubt," said VisitRaleigh CEO Denny Edwards.
Ash Schessler is in town for a work conference, and said he's enjoying his time in Raleigh and extended his trip through the weekend.
"I'm going to a concert Saturday, actually. That's why I'm staying all the way till Sunday," he said.
Nineteen million people visited the Raleigh area in 2024 and spent $3.4 billion. The tourism department said there are challenges with more people checking out the area.
"We still have a need for more hotel product," said Edwards. "We are actually working with the communities now to have a hotel and developer summit."
Tourism leaders and those in the restaurant industry are hoping for an even greater economic boost with the upcoming Michelin ratings. The prestigious culinary guide announced in the spring that it would include the Triangle.
There are nearly 1,900 restaurants in Wake County. Raleigh already accounts for more James Beard chefs than anywhere else in the state, and many people are crossing their fingers that the greater Raleigh area becomes a 'Michelin destination.'
"We all have a real culture that is expressed through our food," said Ajja Owner and five-time James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, Cheetie Kumar. "Anything that draws people in and kind of boosts all the hard work that our team does every single day. "
"It's an opportunity to reach a broader audience," said Prime BBQ Owner and James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, Christopher Prieto. "That's what every restaurant just dreams about, and just last year, Michelin recognized its first barbecue restaurants. So that was a gleaming hope."
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The North Carolina tourism department said small businesses that receive even just one star will statistically receive a 20 percent bump in sales.
"Our margins are small," said Prieto. "It just gives us more opportunity to take care of our employees, which is a priority at the top of my pyramid."
Michelin will put out its new guide in November.