$1.1 billion. That's how much the Queen City generated in economic impact in fiscal year 2024. According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the funds came from major events (like Lovin' Life Music Fest) conventions, and leisure tourism.

Editor's note: The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and FY 2024 ended on June 30, 2024.

"Tourism continues to be a driving force behind Charlotte's economic vitality, fueling job creation, boosting local businesses, and generating substantial tax revenue that benefits the entire community," said Steve Bagwell, CEO of the CRVA.

Earlier this year, CLTtoday learned Mecklenburg County ranked as a top tourism destination in North Carolina, bringing in $5.8 billion in 2023 + an estimated 31 million visitors. Here are the numbers:

Tourism

336,000+ room nights booked through leisure marketing
192,232 hotel room bookings generated by events at the Charlotte Convention Center
201,840 visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame (operated by CRVA)
1 in 5 visitors to Bojangles' Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium (BOplex) traveled from 100+ miles away

The 2023 Duke's Mayo Classic featured the South Carolina Gamecocks vs. the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. | Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation

Reflecting on FY24, it's no surprise the Queen City is seeing record-breaking numbers. For example, the Convention Center hosted 45 city-wide conventions + nine major sporting events in Uptown, like the ACC Football Championship and Duke’s Mayo Bowl and Classic.

Financial breakdown

Sports events generated $179.6 million
BOplex events totaled $29.2 million
NASCAR Hall of Fame brought in $74.9 million
$177.6 generated through conventions and hotel meetings

"As we continue to attract major events and expand our leisure tourism footprint, we are committed to delivering even greater economic value for our community," added Bagwell. The future of Charlotte’s tourism economy has never been brighter."