CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Summer travel is in full swing, and people are flying or driving in to visit the Tar Heel state. From hotel stays to shopping and checking out local restaurants, those visitor dollars help stimulate the economy.
According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the tourism industry generates billions of dollars every year in the Charlotte region.
WCNC Charlotte reporter Jesse Pierre spoke to folks from out of town about their Queen City experience.
Carlos Cedeno is visiting from Pennsylvania with his family.
“I’ve been to Ireland, to Barcelona, to France, and here -- I’m visiting Charlotte and it’s opened my eyes to see how big of a city it is,” he said.
Charlotte's southern charm brings in visitors from all over the country. Moreover, travelers have their sights set on taking in different parts of the region’s culture
“I really just enjoy the green spaces and the greenery of the east coast,” said Carolyn Cleary, visiting from Houston.
“Charlotte has been a pleasant surprise,” said Chicago native Chris Agunllye. “We are going to visit the art museums and we are big sports fans so maybe check out the stadium. I love Lamelo Ball.”
From visiting loved ones to checking out major attractions like the Spectrum Center or the NASCAR Hall of Fame, tourism is heating up. In North Carolina, total domestic and international visitor spending reached over 33 billion dollars in 2022. That is up 15 percent from 2021 according to the CRVA.
Charlotte’s Regional Business Alliance reports this year alone, the leisure and hospitality industry has added 15,000 jobs since January.
Cleary, who is visiting for the first time, said she makes a point to support local businesses during her trip.
“They have the roots, they have the connections and they make the communities what it is,” said Cleary.
As the Charlotte region continues to grow, so does its appeal.
“Compared to the last time I was here. It is growing, and I’m just trying to see more of it,” Cedeno said.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.