Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $379.2 million in Forsyth County in 1997. This is a .9 % increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Forsyth is 5^th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

5,590 jobs in Forsyth County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $74.86 million payroll in Forsyth County in 1997.

State and local tax revenues from travel to Forsyth County amounted to $28.7 million in 1997. This represents a $102 tax saving to each county resident.

Area attractions include Old Salem, historic Bethabara Park, Tanglewood Park, Science Works, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest.

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.

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.

Some 38% of visitors stay in hotels and motels. Hotel occupancy for the Piedmont Triad economic development during 1997 ranged from 46.32% to 79.73%; this compares with occupancy ranging from 53.17% to 74.41% for 1995. Average daily rates for this region in 1997 ranged from $40.52 to $61.20 and tend to be lower than the state average.