| $ Impact |
Domestic tourism generated an
economic impact of $46.94 million in Jackson County in 1997. This is a
.8% decrease over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina.
Jackson is 40th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100
counties.
|
| Jobs |
680 jobs in Jackson County are
directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $9.29 million
payroll in Jackson County in 1997.
|
| Taxes |
State and local tax revenues from
travel to Jackson County amounted to $4.91 million in 1997. This represents
a $174 tax savings to each county resident
|
| Attractions |
Over 20 million people traveled
the Blue Ridge Parkway and 177,658 people visited the Great Smokey Mountains
Railway at Dillsboro in 1997. Other major attractions include the Mountain
Heritage Center at Cullowhee, , rock climbing near Cashiers, Cherokee Indian
reservation at Qualla Boundary and the Nantahala National Forest. |
| 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. |