Charlotte experiencing ongoing tourism boom

Tourism boom credited to the city’s uptick in sports and large-scale events.

Thousands of people pack the stands over a soccer field with the Uptown Charlotte skyline at night in the background.

Professional sports teams like Charlotte FC are credited for attracting thousands of out-of-town fans for games.

Photo by CLTtoday

So, what’s there to do in Charlotte? Apparently, many people think there’s a lot.

The Transportation, Planning & Development Committee revealed new data during the Charlotte City Council meeting on April 1. The local tourism industry drew more than $7 billion to the city in 2022. Nearly 31 million people visited the region in the last year and 13.5 million of those visitors stayed overnight — 43%.

City leaders credit sporting events and major venues hosting high-profile events for fueling the increased traffic. Editor’s note: there’s plenty more on the way.

WCNC Charlotte reports the 10 days with the highest number of visits to Uptown in January and February of 2024 were mostly tied to sports and tourism venues — like the return of Charlotte FC.

Since 2021, the number of visits to Uptown in the first quarter of the year increased by 107%. What does that mean? During the peak days for Uptown, the number of visits average more than 96,000 beyond a typical day.

More from CLTtoday
The new development will pay homage to the former Eastland Mall while carving out space for new retailers, amenities, and residential spaces.
The civil rights leader visited the Queen City several times and spoke at Johnson C. Smith University.
On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best spots to grab a drink after work in Charlotte.
Morehead Street will have a community hub for gourmet eats, cocktails, and live entertainment by mid-March 2026.
A breakout season, record-setting plays, and a return to the postseason gave the Queen City plenty to cheer about — and restored belief in the team’s future.
The Ballantyne shop will be the first of two South Block locations coming to the Queen City in 2026.
Plot Twist aims to be the “cool older sister” behind Trope Bookshop, offering all-day coffees, cocktails, and a hangout space in the community.
The nonprofit organization aims to broaden its offerings by becoming a launching place for immersive experiences to attract all audiences.
U-Haul rolled out info on 2025 moving trends — and now you just might know a little more about your new neighbors.
From Charlotte, NC’s type of government to the powers local leaders hold, and when elections take place, we’re getting a refresh on our local government.