Mecklenburg County tops state tourism ranks. Inside the record-breaking numbers
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Visitor spending in Mecklenburg County reached $6.4B in 2024, up 9% from 2023.
- Tourism in Mecklenburg supported 37,985 jobs and generated $2B in total payroll.
- Tax revenue from tourists saved county residents an average of $356 annually.
Mecklenburg County’s tourism industry received a major boost last year, with visitors spending a record $6.4 billion in the area, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced Thursday.
This marks an increase of approximately 9% from 2023, according to the state and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The total comes from an annual study by Visit NC, a division of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
The increase affirms the county’s position as North Carolina’s top destination, according to CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell.
“Charlotte’s momentum has never been stronger, and the CRVA is proud to lead the region’s visitor economy as a driving force fueling the city’s continued rise,” Bagwell said.
The CRVA’s region covers 11 North Carolina counties and four in South Carolina. While 2024 visitor spending data is not reported for the S.C. counties, total visitor spending for N.C. counties in the region amounts to $9.1 billion.
The region draws tourists with a variety of attractions, including Carowinds, the sprawling amusement park straddling the North Carolina and South Carolina state line; the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a recreation facility with the world’s largest man-made whitewater river; Discovery Place Science, the family-friendly museum offering interactive exhibits on science, technology, and nature; and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Mecklenburg County is also home to major venues hosting concerts and sporting events such as Bank of America Stadium, Truist Field, and the Spectrum Center.
Here are some other tourism highlights for the area and state from the report.
Mecklenburg tourism sees record growth
Mecklenburg County captured 17.3% of visitor spending in the state, according to the CRVA.
The area also had the most people working in tourism, with 37,985 jobs last year — a 4.6% increase from 2023, according to the state. The total payroll generated by tourism in the county was over $2 billion.
More tax revenue
Mecklenburg County brought in more than $219 million in state tax revenue from sales, excise, and income taxes. Local taxes from travel-related businesses such as hotel stays, sales and property taxes added another $200 million.
“Every dollar spent by a visitor ripples through our region by creating jobs, driving investment, and generating millions in tax savings for residents,” Bagwell said. “...It is about leading Charlotte’s growth and shaping the city’s future.”
Tourism growth in North Carolina
In total, visitor spending in North Carolina reached a record $36.7 billion last year, with 71 of the state’s 100 counties experiencing growth, according to the study. This includes other counties near Charlotte such as Cabarrus, Lincoln, Union and Gaston.
Last year, domestic travelers spent a record $35.6 billion in North Carolina, which is 2.7% more than 2023. International visitors spent $1.2 billion, a jump of 16.5% from the previous year.
Tourists spent over $100 million each day in North Carolina, adding $7.3 million per day to state and local tax revenues — split about evenly between state and local taxes.
