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Cherokee County Travel and Tourism Facts

$ Impact	Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $19.90 million in Cherokee County in 1997. This is a 1.4% increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Cherokee is 67^th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.
Jobs	250 jobs in Cherokee County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $3.49 million payroll in Cherokee County in 1997.
Taxes	State and local tax revenues from travel to Cherokee County amounted to $1.94 million in 1997. This represents a $91 tax savings to each county resident
Attractions	Local attractions include Lake Hiwassee, the Nantahala National Forest, Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy and Fields of the Wood biblical theme park.
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 21.15% to 71.78% 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.