Wake County Travel and Tourism Facts

 

 

$ Impact

Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $945.05 million in Wake County in 1997. This is a 2.4 % increase over 1996 it compares with a 2.9% increase for North Carolina. Wake is 2nd in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties.

 

Jobs

17,390 jobs in Wake County are directly attributable to travel and tourism. Travel generated a $353.27 million payroll in Wake County in 1997.

 

Taxes

State and local tax revenues from travel to Wake County amounted to $64.26 million in 1997. This represents a $123 tax savings to each county resident

 

Attractions

Raleigh's three major museums are among North Carolina's most visited--the North Carolina Museums of Art, History, and Natural Science. Other popular Wake County attractions are the Capitol and Executive Mansion, Farmer's Market, Umstead State Park and Falls Lake Recreation Area.

 

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. International visitors come mainly from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and France.

 

Hotels

Some 38% of visitors stay in hotels and motels. Hotel occupancy for the Research Triangle economic development region is among the most stable, consistently exceeding state average. During 1997 it ranged from 52.30% to 74.00%. Average daily rates for this region in 1997 ranged from $49.33 to $74.30 and tend to be higher than the state average.