$ Impact

Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $22.3 million in Ashe County in 1997. This is a 5.1% increase over 1996; it compares with an 2.8% increase for North Carolina.  Ashe is 63^rd in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

Jobs

280 jobs in Ashe County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $3.71 million payroll in Ashe County in 1997. 

Taxes

State and local tax revenues from travel to Ashe County amounted to $2.16 million in 1997. This represents a $96 tax saving to each county resident. 

Attractions

Over 20 million people traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1997. Other area attractions include New River and Mount Jefferson State Parks, the Ashe County Cheese Factory and the Ashe County Frescoes.  

Visitors

A 1994 survey found historic sites, beaches, scenic areas, museums, golf, and fishing most popular amount visitor to North Carolina. Average age is 41 years; 45% had household incomes $50,000 or more; 48% are college graduates, 21% graduate or professional school educated.  

Origins

Top states of origin for North Carolina domestic visitors are Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio and Georgia. 

Hotels

Some 38% of visitors stay in hotels and motels. Hotel occupancy for the Advantage West economic development  region varies seasonally. During 1997 it ranged from 22.70% to 62.91%; this compares with occupancy ranging from 31.42% to 64.59% for 1995. Average daily rates for this region in 1997 ranged from $31.42 to $85.02 and tend to be higher than the state average.