| $ Impact | Domestic tourism generated an
economic impact of $27.05million in Richmond County in 1997. This is 4.6%
increase over 1996; it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina.
Richmond is 59th in tourism impact among all 100 counties.
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| Jobs | 420 jobs in Richmond County are
directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $5.62 million
payroll in Richmond County in 1997.
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| Taxes | State and local tax revenues from
travel to Richmond County amounted to $1.85 million in 1997. This represents
a $41tax saving to each county resident.
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| Attractions | Area attractions include the National
Railroad Museum, North Carolina Motor Speedway and Sandhills Recreation.
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| Visitors | A 1994 survey found historic sites,
beaches, scenic areas, museums, golf, and fishing most popular amount visitor
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 Southeast economic development region
varies seasonally. During 1997 it ranged from 37.98% to 74.13%; this compares
with occupancy ranging from 55.5% to 94.0% for 1995. Average daily rates
for this region in 1997 ranged from $31.29 to $67.71.
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