Special to IFN
Domestic and international visitors spent $429.35 million in Iredell County 2024, an 11.9% increase from 2023, according to an study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, which is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Iredell County joined Cleveland and Burke counties in leading the state in tourism growth, helping drive North Carolina’s overall 3.1% increase in visitor spending. That growth resulted in a record $36.7 billion statewide. Iredell was one of seven counties that experienced double-digit gains in visitor spending.
“I commend the Iredell County tourism authorities in Statesville and Mooresville for their diligent and hard work collaborating with the travel and tourism industry as well as with the local and state elected officials to further Iredell County,” said Sen. Vickie Sawyer.
“This growth is the result of ongoing collaboration, purposeful marketing and a clear understanding of how tourism drives economic vitality,” added Cindy Sutton, executive director of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are proud of what this represents, not just dollars, but real jobs and real opportunity for the communities we serve.”
“Tourism continues to be one of Iredell County’s most dynamic and growing economic engines,” said Randy DuTeau, executive director of Visit Mooresville. “We are grateful to the hospitality partners and community leaders who help deliver experiences that keep visitors coming back.”
Tourism Impact Highlights for Iredell County (2024)
– Total visitor spending: $429.35 million
– Local jobs supported by tourism: 2,561
– Tourism-related payroll: $97 million
– State tax revenue generated: $15.64 million
– Local tax revenue generated: $13.81 million
These figures are from the Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2024 study, conducted by Tourism Economics on behalf of Visit North Carolina. The full report is available at https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies
Statewide Tourism Fast Facts (2024)
– Total visitor spending reached $36.7 billion, up to 3.1% from 2023.
– Domestic spending hit a record $35.6 billion, a 2.7% increase.
– International spending rose 16.5% to $1.2 billion.
– Visitors generated nearly $4.6 billion in total federal, state and local taxes.
– Direct tourism employment in North Carolina grew 1.4% to 230,338 jobs.
– State tax receipts rose 1.1% to nearly $1.4 billion.
– Local tax receipts rose 4.3% to nearly $1.3 billion.
– Tourism added more than $7.3 million per day to state and local tax revenue.
– Tourism saved each North Carolina household an average of $593 in taxes in 2024.
“The study confirms the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC. “Even with the headwinds of Hurricane Helene, this growth underscores the vitality of the industry and the continued appeal of our destinations.”