Tourism

Experience All That North Carolina Has to Offer

5th

Most Visited State for Domestic Travel (2023)

Tourism

Accounts for 6.2% of Total Employment in NC

$35.6B

in Direct Visitor Spending (2023)

Bald Head Island Fisherman in Daytime
Tourism
father splashing daughter while tubing down a river in the mountains

For Real, Visit NC

Everything about North Carolina is authentic. Even our state motto, Esse Quam Videri, emphasizes the value we place on being, rather than seeming. Deeply authentic trips and travel discoveries are out there.

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A Statewide Tourism Effort

Relationships with all 100 counties continue to drive tourism, aiding economic development and commerce. Meanwhile, partnerships with destinations, attractions, lodging and dining properties, and associations remain key to North Carolina’s success.

The North Carolina Museum of Art restaurant with people dining

Visitors Are Boosting Small Business

Nearly 50,000 North Carolina businesses produce goods and services to support tourism and hospitality. Travelers contribute more than 25 percent to their total products and services.

Colorful buildings in River Arts District Asheville

A Substantial and Hospitable Tourism Workforce

More than 227,000 North Carolina residents are directly employed by the tourism and hospitality industry. Spending by travelers across the state directly supports these jobs. In fact, the visitor economy accounts for 6.2% of total employment in NC.

Smiling group of young friends sitting together at a table in a bar in the afternoon laughing and talking over drinks

Programs Promoting Tourism

Visit North Carolina includes programs designed to drive travel and economic vitality in the state. Its travel, film, retirement, and sports programs have dedicated staff and resources to grow engagement with their respective audiences.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Contact Us

Wit Tuttell

Wit Tuttell

Vice President, Tourism
Scott Peacock

Scott Peacock

Director of Tourism Marketing
Heidi Walters

Heidi Walters

Director of Tourism Partners and Industry Relations
Marlise Taylor

Marlise Taylor

Director of Tourism Research
Andre Nabors

Andre Nabors

Industry & Community Relations Manager
Amanda Baker

Amanda Baker

Tourism Partner Marketing Manager
Katie Bailey

Katie Bailey

Tourism Marketing Manager
Dana Grimstead

Dana Grimstead

Tourism Marketing Project Manager
Veda Gilbert

Veda Gilbert

Senior Public Relations Representative
Suzanne Brown

Suzanne Brown

Public Relations Specialist
Kathy Prickett

Kathy Prickett

Tourism Specialist
Ashton English

Ashton English

Tourism Data Specialist