Polk County Travel and Tourism Facts
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$ Impact |
Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $14.26 million in Polk County in 1997. This is a 4.8% increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Polk is 79th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.
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Jobs |
200 jobs in Polk County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $2.57 million payroll in Polk County in 1997.
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Taxes |
State and local tax revenues from travel to Polk County amounted to $1.38 million in 1997. This represents a $87 tax savings to each county resident
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Welcome Center |
I-26 center welcomed 734,000 visitors to North Carolina in 1995 and has assisted more than 8.7 million since it opened in 1983.
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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.
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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 19.18% to 58.91% 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. |