Charlotte is a destination. Known for rich history, growing culinary and music scenes + proximity to both mountains and beaches. We’re fortunate to experience the top city to move to in the country.
Locals aren’t the only ones who see Charlotte as a Queen (City). VisitNC, a division of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, released new data showing 2023 was a record-setting year for visitor spending.
“Mecklenburg County continues to lead North Carolina as a top destination for travelers,” said Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). “In Charlotte, hospitality is more than just an industry; it’s a way of life that profoundly shapes how we live, work, and play.”
Statewide, 2023 visitor spending reached a record $35.6 billion — a 6.9 percent increase over 2022. Here’s how Mecklenburg County fared:
Visitor data
- 31 million | Estimated number of people who visited the Charlotte area
- 69% | Average hotel occupancy
- $124 | Average daily rate of a hotel
- 53.4 million | People passed through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Economic impact from 2023
- Ranked No. 1 for visitor spending in the state
- $5.8 billion | Spent by domestic and international visitors
- 36,310 | Tourism industry workers in the county
- $185.7 million | Local taxes generated from travel-related occupancy, sales, and property taxes
- $206 million | State tax revenue generated in Mecklenburg County
- $337 | Tax savings created per resident
Statewide tourism
- 43 million | Visitors
- $97+ million | Visitor spending per day
- $35.6 billion | Total spending by visitors in 2023
- $997 million | Spent by international travelers
- $34.6 billion | Spent by domestic travelers
- $4.5 billion | Generated in federal, state, and local taxes
- $518 | Average savings in state and local taxes by NC households
