Visitor Spending Increases to $4.9 Billion in Mecklenburg County
The economic impact of tourism grew by 6.1 percent in 2014, with visitors infusing $4.9 billion in domestic spending into Mecklenburg County. Mecklenburg County represents nearly 23 percent of all travel expenditures in the state and is the number one county in terms or travel spending, nearly 2.5 times the size of the next largest county (Wake County is second at $2 billion).
Visitor spending has seen a steady rise since 2009 and has grown by 47 percent, an average of 9.5 percent each year. More than 48,320 jobs are supported by the tourism industry in Mecklenburg County with a payroll of $1.6 billion, making it an important economic sector with a measurable impact on our community. State and local tax revenues from travel to Mecklenburg County totaled $341 million, representing a $336 tax saving for every county resident.
In calculating the tourism spending in the Charlotte region, spending totaled more than $6.3 billion. This encompasses 10 counties in North Carolina and three in South Carolina outlined in the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). See table below for further detail on each county in the MSA.
County | Economic Impact (millions) | Employment | State & Local Tax Collections (millions) | Tax Savings per Resident |
Cabarrus | $400.03 | 4,190 | $28.95 | $151.52 |
Chester* | $22.96 | 210 | $1.82 | $56.28 |
Gaston | $234.24 | 1,820 | $16.74 | $79.46 |
Iredell | $226.54 | 1,760 | $18.88 | $112.96 |
Lancaster* | $30.23 | 260 | $2.69 | $32.35 |
Lincoln | $50.69 | 370 | $4.21 | $52.55 |
Mecklenburg | $4,891.86 | 48,330 | $341.12 | $336.65 |
Rowan | $153.83 | 1,300 | $12.78 | $92.19 |
Union | $120.50 | 950 | $8.58 | $39.73 |
York* | $206.93 | 1,950 | $17.5 | $71.33 |
TOTAL | $6,338 (billion) | 61,140 | $453.27 | $180.51 (Average MSA) |
"These numbers represent steady and significant growth for Mecklenburg County and the region,” says CRVA CEO Tom Murray. “We had a continuous stream of impactful events that drew attendees complemented by increased leisure and business sector growth. This type of consistent momentum is what truly creates enduring economic impact that creates jobs and opportunities for our region.”
Statewide, domestic visitors spent a record $21.3 billion in 2014, directly supporting 204,909 jobs and nearly $4.9 billion in payroll income across North Carolina.
"Tourism is a major force in North Carolina's economic development," said Governor McCrory. "The industry is fueling a continued growth in jobs and contributing substantial sums to the state budget and local economies in every corner of our great state."
The visitor spending figures come from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina and conducted by the U.S. Travel Association. The study uses sales and tax revenue data, employment figures and other industry and economic data to determine the overall impact of visitor spending in North Carolina. Full tables can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com.