Industry Relations
Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Asheville (March 13-15)
Governor Bev Perdue revealed the 2010 tourism economic impact numbers to more than 500 attendees at the Winner’s Circle Luncheon at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. In addition to visitor spending, Perdue announced North Carolina, which maintained its ranking as the sixth most-visited state in the nation, gained nearly 2,000 tourism jobs in 2010 while state tax revenues from visitor spending increased 12.6 percent and have increased 16.2 percent since 2007. Also, visitor spending directly generated a total of more than $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenues. State tax revenue totaled more than $947 million and local tax revenues were $546 million as a direct result of visitor spending. The Division’s annual conference featured dynamic, educational programming and valuable networking opportunities and drew a near-record crowd focused on the theme of finding the “Rhythm of Success.”
Tourism Day in Raleigh (May 10)
Governor Perdue proclaimed May 10 as North Carolina Tourism Day. A full day of events was scheduled in Raleigh to celebrate North Carolina’s tourism industry. Tourism organizations from around the state had informational booths in the N.C. Legislative Building coordinated by the N.C. Travel Industry Association giving partners an opportunity for lawmakers to meet tourism industry officials and learn about the positive impact of the industry. In addition, the travel industry had the chance to showcase their area at a private reception for legislators at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. North Carolina’s nine Welcome Centers hosted their own events during National Tourism Week (May 7-15) to thank travelers to the state.
Regional Mid-Year Marketing Update (September 2011)
The Division went on the road this year for its Mid-Year Marketing Update, offering several forums to make it easier for industry partners to participate and contribute to the Division’s planning efforts. Events were held in all three regions of the state including Asheville, Nags Head, Atlantic Beach and Concord throughout the month of September. MYMU brought together nearly 400 leaders from all sectors of North Carolina’s travel industry to highlight recent performance trends, provide updates on the Division’s current marketing programs and co-op initiatives and gain insight from partners to help fuel the Division’s strategic planning for FY 2012-‘13. The Division also shared research on the most recent visitor profiles and trends within each region of the state.