National Week-Long Tradition Signifies the Importance of the Tourism Industry
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Celebrates “Travel Forward” with National Travel and Tourism Week 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 10, 2023) – In collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association and destinations across the nation, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) is proud to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), taking place May 7-13, 2023.
This year’s NTTW theme, “Travel Forward,” highlights the importance and significance of a healthy and thriving tourism economy, with an emphasis on the travel and hospitality industry’s vital role in stimulating economic and job growth. As the industry continues to recover from several challenging pandemic impacted years, NTTW celebrates travel as a catalyst for vibrant and diverse communities. Prior to March 2020, the Charlotte region experienced 10 years of growth in the tourism sector, generating $7.8 billion in direct visitor spending that supported local businesses and those employed in the industry. The region is on the rebound and on track to meet or outpace pre-pandemic numbers.
"The many people who work in the Charlotte region’s hospitality industry are often the first impression for visitors. It’s a privilege to witness their incredible customer service and impact over the past couple years of recovery," said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the CRVA. "We strive to promote our city as a sought-after destination for leisure travel and meetings and conventions. Looking forward, we’re optimistic about the continued growth of Charlotte’s visitor economy.”
The CRVA spearheads the region’s hospitality efforts, driving the city’s leisure, business and sports travel. Leisure & Hospitality is the region’s fourth largest industry and leisure traveler demand remains extremely high, with recent growth in hotel demand from the group sector. Over the next 18 months, CRVA-related group business is 26% ahead of pre-pandemic pace. In addition, 16 of the top 20 hotel room nights in Mecklenburg County took place throughout 2022, further highlighting the return of travel and Charlotte’s appeal.
Since March 2020, the CRVA launched several campaigns and initiatives that are specifically and strategically developed to generate interest in Charlotte within key target drive-markets, as well as reinforce support of the local hospitality industry. On an annual basis, the CRVA’s marketing efforts and campaigns generate 2.6 million incremental trips, $272 million in visitor spending and $14.6 million in local taxes.
National Travel and Tourism Week offers an opportunity to look back on the importance of visitor impact for Mecklenburg County. Domestic and international visitors to and within the county spent over $4 billion in 2021, an increase of 46 percent from 2020. The travel and tourism industry directly employs nearly 30,000 people in Mecklenburg County, the largest number in the state of North Carolina. Charlotte continues to remain the number one destination in terms of visitor spending for the state. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
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 Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, 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.
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