| $ Impact |
Domestic tourism generated an
economic impact of $83.04 million in Haywood County in 1997. This is a
3.5% increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina.
Haywood is 24th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100
counties.
|
| Jobs |
1490 jobs in Haywood County are
directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $19.16
million payroll in Haywood County in 1997.
|
| Taxes |
State and local tax revenues from
travel to Haywood County amounted to $7.07million in 1997. This represents
a $145 tax savings to each county resident
|
| Attractions |
Over 20 million people traveled
the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1997. Other major attractions include Great Smokey
Mountain National Par, Ghost Town in the Sky, Maggie Valley and the Museum
of North Carolina Handicrafts. |
| Welcome Center |
The I-40 west center welcomed 1.26 million visitors to
North Carolina in 1995 and has assisted more than 21 million since it opened
in 1970. |
| 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. |