Buncombe County Travel and Tourism Facts
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$ Impact |
Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $379 million in Buncombe County in 1997. This is a 2.5% increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Buncombe is 6th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.
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Jobs |
7,280 jobs in Buncombe County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $97.50 million payroll in Buncombe County in 1997.
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Taxes |
State and local tax revenues from travel to Buncombe County amounted to $29.23 million in 1997. This represents a $156 tax savings to each county resident
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Attractions |
Over 20 million people traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more than 830,000 saw the Biltmore Estate in 1997. Other area attractions include Asheville's Farmer's Market, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Vance Birthplace, Folk Art Center, Nature Center, Craggy Gardens, Grove park Inn and Pack Place Education, Arts and Science Center.
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Visitors |
A 1994 survey found historic sites, beaches, scenic areas, museums, golf and fishing most popular among visitors 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. |
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Origins |
Top states of origin for North Carolina domestic visitors are Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia. International visitors come mainly from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and France.
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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 19.18% to 58.91% 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. |