Burke County Travel and Tourism Facts

 

 

$ Impact

Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $46.41million in Burke County in 1997. This is a 1.5% increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Burke is 41st in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

 

Jobs

570 jobs in Burke County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $7.67 million payroll in Burke County in 1997.

 

Taxes

State and local tax revenues from travel to Burke County amounted to $3.69 million in 1997. This represents a $47 tax savings to each county resident

 

Attractions

Over 20 million people traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway. Other area attractions include the Pisgah National Forest, South Mountains State Park and "From This Day Forward" outdoor drama in Valdese.

 

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.

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.