Charlotte Region Marks National Travel and Tourism Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 20, 2024) – The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) is participating in the U.S. Travel Association’s recognition of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), taking place May 19-25.
One in nine residents works in the leisure and hospitality industry, making it the fourth largest industry sector in the Charlotte region. An estimated 30.6 million people visit the region annually, generating $7.3 billion in direct visitor spending with local businesses, hotels, restaurants attractions and retail outlets. More than half the annual visitation is from visiting friends and relatives, making local residents important ambassadors for the tourism community.
“The Queen City shines because of the authenticity and kindness of its people, especially in the hospitality industry,” said Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of the CRVA. “Through the promotion of our city as one of the world’s premier urban landscapes, travel is one of the drivers for economic advancement and prosperity in our region.”
The CRVA spearheads the region’s hospitality community, promoting leisure, meetings and conventions, and sports-related travel. In FY23, the CRVA’s direct activities produced an estimated $1.08 billion in economic impact in the region, with leisure marketing generating $651.1 million or 57 percent of the total and inspiring 2.6 million incremental trips to Charlotte. Of the balance related to the CRVA’s impact:
- Meetings, conventions and sports events generated $373 million in economic impact
- The youth and amateur sports market served as a catalyst for significant travel activity, making up nearly half (46%) of all CRVA-hotel room nights booked
- The NASCAR Hall of Fame and historic Bojangles Entertainment Complex together produced nearly $93 million in economic impact
Just days following the conclusion of NTTW, the U.S. Travel Association’s “Travel Works Roadshow” will make a stop in Charlotte, May 29-30. The intent of these visits is to amplify the industry’s impact on communities, bringing together travel businesses, related stakeholders, the travel workforce and elected leaders to spotlight the many ways that travel works for America.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel is a $2.8 trillion industry that supports nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling other important industries like manufacturing, health care and agriculture—all which depend on travel to generate business, spur innovation and support education. Travel is essential and represents 2.5% of the U.S. GDP and serves as a top export for the country.
NTTW is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.
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About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com and charlottesgotalot.com.