Gaston County Travel and Tourism Facts
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$ Impact |
Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $113.55 million in Gaston County in 1997. This is a 6.3 % increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Gaston is 18th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.
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Jobs |
1520 jobs in Gaston County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $20.55 million payroll in Gaston County in 1997.
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Taxes |
State and local tax revenues from travel to Gaston County amounted to $8.13 million in 1997. This represents a $44 tax saving to each county resident.
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Welcome Center |
The I-85 south center welcomed nearly 800,000 visitors to North Carolina in 1995 and has assisted 15 million since it opened in 1972.
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Attractions |
Popular attraction include Scheile Museum of Natural History, Crowder's Mountain State Park, Gaston County Museum of Art and History, Dallas Historic District, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and "Fish Camps".
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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 Carolinas economic development region is among the most stable, usually exceeding the state average. During 1997 it ranged from 42.49% to 70.73%; this compares with occupancy ranging from 31.42% to 64.59% for 1995. Average daily rates for this region in 1997 ranged from $32.85 to $47.42 and tend to be lower than the state average. |