Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $42.19million in Rockingham County in 1997. This is a 1.47 % increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Rockingham is 46^th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

580 jobs in Rockingham County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $7.8 million payroll in Rockingham County in 1997.

State and local tax revenues from travel to Rockingham County amounted to $3.07 million in 1997. This represents a $35 tax saving to each county resident.

Area attractions include Chinqua-Penn Plantation, the Karastan Rug Mill, Belews Lake and Humphries Ridge.

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.

Top states of origin for North Carolina domestic visitors are Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia.

Some 38% of visitors stay in hotels and motels. Hotel occupancy for the Piedmont Triad economic development during 1997 ranged from 46.32% to 79.73%; this compares with occupancy ranging from 53.17% to 74.41% for 1995. Average daily rates for this region in 1997 ranged from $40.52 to $61.20 and tend to be lower than the state average.