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."

Charlotte Douglas International Airport had a record number of 53 million passengers in 2023.
| Photo by CLTairport

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