Tourism

Tourism

Experience All That North Carolina Has to Offer

A top travel location, North Carolina is the 5th most visited state for domestic visitation in the US making it an ideal location for tourism and hospitality businesses. All 100 counties in the state are committed to the success of this industry that employs 7.5% of North Carolinians.

5th Most Visited State for Domestic Visitation 2020Visitor Economy Accounts for 7.5% of Total Employment in NC (2019)$20 Billion in Direct Visitor Spending (2020)
Statewide Success

Partnerships with all 100 counties across the state continue to drive and grow tourism’s success, helping fuel economic development and commerce in North Carolina. Partnerships with destinations, attractions, lodging and dining properties, and associations statewide remain key to North Carolina’s success.

Positive Impacts to Local Businesses

All across North Carolina, you can find local businesses supporting tourism and hospitality. Nearly 45,000 North Carolina businesses produce goods and services to support visitor demand, with travelers contributing more than 25 percent to their total products and services.

Substantial Workforce

More than 230,000 North Carolina residents are directly employed by the tourism and hospitality industry. Spending by travelers across the state directly supports these jobs. In fact, the visitor economy accounts for 7.5 percent of total employment in NC.

Wide Reach

Visit North Carolina includes programs dedicated to core audiences that drive travel to and economic vitality in the state. Each program has dedicated staff and resources to manage and grow engagement with their respective audiences. These programs include domestic travel, international travel, film, retirement, sports, and travel.

Get Back to a Better Place

Visit North Carolina

A visit to North Carolina is a celebration of the good life. Where breathtaking mountain views help you breathe easier, vibrant cities recharge you and coastal backdrops uncover your inner peace. Reconnect with family and friends and in the places that mean so much to us all. Every trip to North Carolina helps you Get Back to a Better Place.

Industry Support

Visit North Carolina
While North Carolina offers a rich variety of distinctive experiences for visitors, the spirit of collaboration within our state’s travel industry is also unique and extraordinary. Visit North Carolina's Mission is to unify and lead the state in positioning North Carolina as a preferred destination for travelers and film production and in maximizing economic vitality statewide.
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The North Carolina Travel & Tourism Coalition
A private, nonprofit trade association of professional sports teams, leading resorts, popular attractions, convention and visitors bureaus, and other business organizations throughout North Carolina, all working together to promote public policies that encourage the growth and development of our state’s vital travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.
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The North Carolina Travel Industry Association
Provides resources for anyone interested in issues relative to North Carolina‘s travel and tourism economy. The association is open to anyone interested in becoming a member, but most are local businesses or statewide organizations that thrive on the tourism economy.
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The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA)
The NCRLA is the uniting force of the North Carolina hospitality industry, bringing together restaurant and lodging establishments and partners who support our community; impacting legislation and policies; cultivating relationships and providing valuable resources to help members run their businesses.
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LOCAL TOURISM PARTNERS

Alamance County Logo
Blowing Rock North Carolina Logo
Brevard Logo
Explore Burnsville Logo
Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, NC
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Logo
the Crystal Coast: North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks
Downtown Morehead City
Explore Wilkesboro
Franklin & Nantahala Tourism Development Committee
Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau Logo
Visit NC Smokies
Henderson County North Carolina
Hickory Furniture Mart
Hickory Metro
Jackson County Play On NC
Johnston County North Carolina
Lake Junaluska Logo
Mystery Hill Logo
North Carolina's Brunswick Islands
New Bern Logo
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Logo
Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Area Logo
Reidsville Logo
Rocky Mount Event Center Logo
Scotland County Logo
Explore Bryson City North Carolina Logo
Visit Lake Norman Logo
Visit Mooresville Logo
Visit NC Farms Logo
Visit Ocracoke Logo
Visit Sanford Logo
Wilmington River District & Island Beaches Logo
Yadkin Welcomes You Logo

Want to learn more about NC's thriving tourism industry?