Cumberland moves to 9th in Domestic Tourism Expenditures

 

Cumberland County is 9th out of North Carolinas’ 100 counties in Domestic Tourism Expenditures

September 2010

Fayetteville – According to figures released by the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development, Cumberland County moved from 10th to 9th place out of 100 counties in domestic tourism impact during the year 2009.   Travel to Cumberland County generated $379.59 million in expenditures and $30 million in state and local tax revenues. This represents a $93.27 tax savings to each Cumberland County resident. 

 Additionally Cumberland County’s tourism industry employs 4,130 people with a payroll of $77.30 million.
 
“I’m thrilled Cumberland County has moved to 9th place in tourism expenditures,” says John Meroski, FACVB President and CEO. “These numbers validate the work of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the programs operated by bureau staff.” 
 
Tourism impact figures dipped slightly from 2008, with Cumberland seeing a 2.9% decrease in expenditures. Statewide, 94 counties saw a decrease in tourism expenditures, and the statewide median decrease was 7.8%. All of the top 10 counties saw a decrease from 2008 figures. “Its clear the economy is affecting the industry statewide,” says Meroski.
 
“While Cumberland County tourism expenditures dipped slightly in 2009, its worth noting that state and local tax collections INCREASED by three quarters of a million dollars,” says Meroski.   “The CVB led the effort to have our per diem raised, serving as an insurance policy in tax collections. “
 
From 1999 to 2009, Cumberland County tourism expenditures increased 57% from $240.71 million to $379.59 million.
 
Statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties.” The study was prepared for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development by the US Travel Association. 
 
Statewide, regional and individual countystatistics are available at www.nccommerce.com.

Press Contact: Melody Foote (mfoote@visitfayettevillenc.com), 888-98-HEROES