RALEIGH - Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed Tuesday, May 18 as “Travel and Tourism Day” to celebrate an industry vital to the economic stability and growth of North Carolina. North Carolina’s tourism industry is composed of small businesses that make up a vital part of our state’s economy, creating jobs and investment from the mountains to the coast.
“A healthy travel and tourism industry is an important part of creating and sustaining jobs in North Carolina. Travel and tourism sustains 378,000 jobs while bringing $22.2 billion to the state each year,” Gov. Perdue said. “We welcome visitors from around the country and worldwide, and I encourage our residents to see and celebrate all the marvelous attractions of our home state.”
A full-day of events is scheduled in Raleigh on May 18 to celebrate North Carolina’s tourism industry. Tourism organizations from around the state will have informational booths in the N.C. Legislative Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The N.C. Travel Industry Association is coordinating exhibit booths that provide an opportunity for lawmakers to meet tourism industry officials and learn about the positive impact of the industry.
State Tourism Facts:
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N.C. travel and tourism generates $22.2 billion a year in total economic demand.
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This economic activity sustains 378,000 jobs, and 8.6 percent of all wage and salary employment in the state is directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. Nearly $10 billion in compensation is generated by tourism demand.
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Including indirect and induced impacts, tourism in North Carolina generates $2.6 billion in state and local taxes and $2.7 billion in federal taxes.
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Tourism saves every North Carolina family $360 per year in taxes. \ North Carolina enjoys a more than 15-to-1 return from tax dollars invested in paid media advertising.
National Travel Facts
- America benefits from $1.7 trillion in economic output generated by travelers. More than 10 million people depend on travel for their jobs.
- Spending by travelers generates $111 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. The average American household pays $950 less in taxes every year because of travel in the United States.
- In challenging economic times, promoting and increasing travel is a proven way to boost the economy. Travelers spend money on hotels, restaurants, businesses and attractions.
- When overseas travelers visit the U.S., they stay longer and spend more than any other visitors, on average about 16 nights with spending in excess of $4,000 per visit.
For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week, go to www.nccommerce.com/en/TourismServices/PromoteTravelAndTourismIndustry/TourismEvents/NationalTourismWeek2010.htm
Media Contact:
Wit Tuttell, N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
(919) 733-7420, wit@visitnc.com