Charlotte Achieves Record-Breaking Growth in Tourism and Convention Revenue

Charlotte Sets New Records in Tourism and Convention Revenue!

Hey there, Charlotte! Exciting times are upon us as our beloved city has once again hit it out of the park when it comes to tourism and conventions. The latest figures released by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) have revealed some impressive numbers, showing just how much our city’s vibrant atmosphere is attracting visitors from near and far.

Record Revenue and Unmatched Impact

Fiscal year 2024, which ran from July 1 to June 30, has been a banner year for the Charlotte Convention Center. It generated a whopping $55.9 million in operating revenue! But that’s not all—overall tourism-related spending in our beautiful city soared to an incredible nearly $1.1 billion. To put it lightly, this is no small achievement!

The CRVA is sharing these marvelously tallied financial figures in their annual impact report, and it looks like our city is on a roll! The total economic impact, including venues, events, and marketing campaigns, stood at a record-breaking $1.08 billion for FY24. That’s a significant leap from the previous record of $1.06 billion set back in fiscal 2019.

What’s Driving the Success?

You might be wondering what’s fueling this sensational growth. According to CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell, Charlotte’s advancing reputation as a regional gem—especially among leisure travelers—plays a huge role. “We’ve made fantastic progress by concentrating on the essential elements of leisure tourism,” he mentioned, adding that the agency focuses on areas such as food and drink, outdoor recreation, diversity and inclusion, and arts and culture.

It’s truly amazing to see how these factors have sparked a growing interest in visiting our vibrant city. After all, who wouldn’t want to munch on delightful food, enjoy exciting outdoor activities, and experience local arts and culture? It makes sense that people are flocking here!

Visible Signs of Growth

Now, some folks might question just how significant tourism spending really is. Critics often argue that estimates from industry experts can come off as inflated. However, the tourism executives aren’t buying it. Instead, they’re pointing to the busy hotels and bustling restaurants as clear signs that visitors are helping to boost our local economy through their spending.

And speaking of the economy, let’s take a moment to appreciate the job growth linked to tourism. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 2023 saw 156,800 tourism-related jobs in Charlotte, which is quite the leap from 143,500 jobs pre-pandemic in October 2019. This is a clear indication that our tourism sector is not only thriving, but it’s also providing ample career opportunities for our community.

Looking to the Future

As we look forward, the CRVA has a dedicated mission to maintain this momentum. With investments in enhancing our tourism capabilities and expanding market outreach, it’s clear that Charlotte’s best days are just ahead. Whether it’s planning more exciting events or promoting our local scene, the team is committed to ensuring our city continues to shine.

Join the Buzz!

So, Charlotte, let’s keep spreading the word about how amazing our city is! With these fantastic figures in hand, let’s not forget to invite our friends and family to come down and experience the charm of our community, including our fantastic dining options, breathtaking outdoor spaces, and the vibrant arts scene that makes Charlotte truly special.

Here’s to more records and unforgettable experiences! 🎉