Mitchell County Travel and Tourism Facts

 

 

$ Impact

Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $15.61 million in Mitchell County in 1997. This is a 2.2 % increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Mitchell is 77h in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

 

Jobs

210 jobs in Mitchell County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $2.85 million payroll in Mitchell County in 1997.

 

Taxes

State and local tax revenues from travel to Mitchell County amounted to $1.27 million in 1997. This represents a $85 tax savings to each county resident

 

Attractions

Over 20 million people traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1997. Other area attractions include Roan Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, Nolichucky River Rafting, the North Carolina Museum of Mineral and the Penland School of Crafts.

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 31.42% to 64.59% 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.