Onslow County and More North Carolina Counties with New Skyward Tourism Spending

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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August 24, 2026 16:59 GMT+5:30

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Onslow County and more North Carolina counties are seeing new skyward tourism spending, as record travel demand lifts local economies, creates jobs and strengthens destinations across the state. Onslow County and More North Carolina Counties See Skyward Tourism Spending as Travel Boom Drives Record Visitor Demand, Jobs, Business Growth and Millions in Economic Benefits Across Beaches, Cities and Mountains

Onslow County and more North Carolina counties are witnessing skyward tourism spending as travellers continue to fuel North Carolina’s booming visitor economy. Meanwhile, new figures show tourism reaching record levels across the state. Onslow County remains among the leading county tourism markets, with visitors spending nearly $415 million.

More counties are also gaining as demand spreads across beaches, cities, mountains and outdoor destinations. As a result, travel is delivering wider economic benefits through hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers and transport providers. Furthermore, rising tourism spending creates jobs and tax revenue. Therefore, North Carolina enters a new phase of tourism growth with stronger local opportunities.

Onslow County and more North Carolina counties are seeing tourism spending climb as travel demand strengthens across the state. Nearly $415 million in visitor spending makes Onslow County one of North Carolina’s strongest county tourism economies. Rising travel demand supports hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, transport companies and thousands of tourism-related jobs. North Carolina’s record tourism performance shows how beaches, cities, mountains and outdoor destinations collectively drive visitor spending. The next challenge is turning tourism growth into sustainable economic benefits while protecting the experiences travellers value most.

North Carolina Tourism Spending Hits Record $37.2 Billion as Onslow County Ranks 19th Nationwide

North Carolina’s tourism economy reached a record $37.2 billion in visitor spending in 2025, while 59 of the state’s 100 counties recorded growth, underlining the strength and breadth of travel demand across the destination. Onslow County, home to Jacksonville and North Topsail Beach, ranked 19th statewide with nearly $415 million in visitor spending, showing how coastal experiences, recreation, dining and accommodation continue to support local tourism and the wider economy.

North Carolina Tourism Reaches New Spending Record

The latest figures from Visit North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Commerce show that travel continued to generate substantial economic activity across the state despite uneven performance between individual counties and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Total visitor spending increased by 1.3 per cent from 2024, with domestic travellers accounting for $36.1 billion and international visitors contributing approximately $1.1 billion to the state’s tourism economy.

Tourism also produced significant employment and government revenue, with direct tourism employment rising 0.3 per cent to 230,997 jobs and tourism payroll increasing 3.5 per cent to $9.8 billion in 2025. Visitors generated more than $4.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes, while local tax receipts exceeded $1.3 billion, demonstrating why travel remains an important component of North Carolina’s economic development strategy.

Onslow County Maintains Top 20 Tourism Position

Onslow County recorded nearly $415 million in visitor spending in 2025, placing it 19th among North Carolina’s 100 counties and maintaining its position as one of the state’s strongest tourism economies. The spending covered a broad range of travel-related activity, including lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail and transportation, indicating that the county’s tourism impact extends well beyond its beaches.

The result continues a strong pattern for Onslow County, which has ranked among North Carolina’s top 20 counties for tourism spending several times and previously reached 18th place. The county’s 2024 performance was similarly strong, with visitor spending reaching approximately $415.26 million, supporting an estimated 2,464 jobs and generating a tourism payroll of $94.85 million.

Onslow County Ranks Among North Carolina’s Top 20 Tourism Markets as Visitor Spending Nears $418 Million

Onslow County, home to Jacksonville and North Topsail Beach, has strengthened its position as one of North Carolina’s leading tourism economies, with visitors spending nearly $418 million in 2025. The county ranked 19th statewide for tourism spending, highlighting the growing economic importance of coastal travel, recreation, food and hospitality to the local economy.

Visitor Spending Keeps Onslow County in the Top 20

Onslow County ranked 19th among North Carolina’s 100 counties for visitor spending in 2025, according to recently released tourism data from Visit North Carolina. Visitors spent approximately $417.74 million across the county during the year, with expenditure spread across accommodation, food and beverage, recreation, retail and transportation.

The latest result confirms that tourism remains an important economic pillar for the coastal county, which has consistently appeared among North Carolina’s strongest tourism markets. Onslow County’s highest previous position was 18th, demonstrating that the destination has maintained a competitive place in the state’s visitor economy even as tourism spending continues to grow across North Carolina.

The figures also put the county’s tourism performance into a broader statewide context. North Carolina recorded a record $37.2 billion in total visitor spending in 2025, representing a 1.3 per cent increase from 2024, according to Visit North Carolina. Domestic travellers accounted for $36.1 billion, while international visitors contributed another $1.1 billion.

Jacksonville Plays a Key Role in the Tourism Economy

While the latest ranking applies to Onslow County rather than Jacksonville separately, the city is an important part of the destination’s visitor economy.

Jacksonville serves as a major commercial and service centre within the county, providing restaurants, recreation, shopping and other visitor-facing businesses. Onslow County itself identifies Jacksonville as a major trade centre that attracts shoppers from surrounding counties, reinforcing the city’s role in the wider regional economy.

County tourism officials have also highlighted the different roles played by communities across Onslow. North Topsail Beach is the county’s leading vacation destination for rental accommodation and beach visitors, while Jacksonville is a stronger centre for food and recreation activities.

This geographic spread is significant because it means tourism spending is not dependent on one attraction or one community. Instead, visitors contribute to a network of accommodation providers, restaurants, recreational businesses, retailers and transportation services across the county.

Beaches Remain a Major Draw

Onslow County’s coastal assets continue to form an important part of its tourism proposition. The county has approximately 30 miles of coastline, with public beach access available at North Topsail Beach and additional access points operated by North Topsail Beach and Surf City.

The destination also promotes outdoor recreation through its parks and natural areas. County information lists nine parks, including Deppe Park, Onslow Pines Park, Stump Sound Park and Richlands Steeds Park, giving visitors alternatives to traditional beach tourism.

That combination of beaches, outdoor experiences, recreation, dining and accommodation gives Onslow County a diversified tourism offering. For destination managers, this diversification can help extend visitor activity beyond peak beach periods and encourage travellers to explore communities throughout the county.

Tourism Is Delivering Wider Economic Benefits

The value of tourism extends well beyond the amount visitors spend during their trips. Onslow County’s latest Annual Comprehensive Financial Report estimates that tourism generated more than $94.85 million in wages for approximately 2,464 full-time employees. The report also records $415.23 million in visitor spending for 2024, based on Visit North Carolina data.

The 2024 figures demonstrate that the county’s tourism economy was already operating at a substantial scale before the latest 2025 results. Separate reporting on the 2024 tourism impact found that visitor spending generated approximately $14.75 million in local tax revenue, equivalent to more than $135 in tax savings per resident.

These benefits illustrate why tourism has become an important consideration for local economic development. Visitor expenditure supports businesses directly while also generating employment, wages and tax revenue that can benefit the wider community.

Destination Officials Focus on Sustainable Growth

With visitor spending remaining close to the $400 million mark, Onslow County officials are looking towards further growth while protecting the natural assets that attract travellers in the first place.

Tourism officials have emphasised the importance of preserving the county’s natural beauty, promoting outdoor experiences and making potential visitors more aware of the destination’s distinctive attractions.

That approach is particularly relevant for a coastal destination. Sustained tourism growth depends not only on attracting more visitors but also on managing beaches, natural areas, accommodation and community infrastructure responsibly.

For Onslow County, the latest ranking provides evidence that the destination already has a substantial tourism base. The challenge now is to convert that momentum into long-term, balanced growth.

A Growing Role for Onslow in North Carolina Tourism

Onslow County’s 19th-place ranking confirms its position among North Carolina’s most significant county-level tourism economies. With visitor spending reaching approximately $417.74 million in 2025, the destination is benefiting from a combination of coastal tourism, recreation, food, retail and accommodation activity.

Jacksonville remains central to that wider visitor ecosystem, while North Topsail Beach and other coastal communities provide the beach and leisure experiences that attract travellers. Together, these destinations give Onslow County a tourism profile that extends beyond a single resort market.

As North Carolina continues to post record visitor spending, Onslow County’s ability to protect its natural resources, strengthen visitor experiences and promote its diverse tourism offer will be crucial to maintaining its place among the state’s top destinations.

Jacksonville Adds Depth to the Tourism Offer

Although the county ranking applies to Onslow County rather than Jacksonville separately, Jacksonville remains an important part of the destination’s travel ecosystem, particularly for food, recreation, shopping and visitor services. Tourism officials have identified North Topsail Beach as the county’s leading vacation spot for rental accommodation and beach visitors, while Jacksonville plays a larger role in food and recreation activity.

This distribution gives Onslow County a diversified tourism proposition because visitors can combine coastal holidays with dining, outdoor recreation, shopping and other experiences across different communities. For travel businesses, such a spread can create opportunities to encourage longer stays, increase visitor spending and introduce travellers to attractions beyond the traditional beach market.

Beaches Remain a Major Tourism Asset

Onslow County’s coastal appeal remains central to its tourism identity, with North Topsail Beach attracting visitors seeking ocean views, beaches, holiday rentals and outdoor experiences. The county’s broader combination of coastline, recreation, wildlife and community-based experiences provides tourism operators with multiple ways to appeal to leisure travellers throughout the year.

The strategy is increasingly focused on promoting the county’s natural assets while preserving the qualities that make the destination attractive in the first place. County tourism officials have highlighted the importance of protecting local beauty, promoting outdoor experiences and improving awareness of the unique activities available to visitors, suggesting that future tourism growth will depend on both marketing and responsible destination management.

Tourism Spending Supports Local Communities

The economic significance of travel becomes clearer when visitor expenditure is translated into jobs, wages and public revenue, with Onslow County’s 2024 tourism activity generating approximately $14.75 million in local tax revenue. That contribution represented an estimated saving of $135.49 per resident, demonstrating how visitor spending can help support public finances while reducing the pressure on local households.

Across North Carolina, the benefits are similarly widespread, with state officials noting that residents in all 100 counties benefit from visitor expenditure through employment, business activity and tax contributions. The statewide figures show that tourism is particularly important for small businesses, with the sector supporting nearly 50,000 small businesses and contributing to the economic vitality of communities ranging from major urban centres to coastal and rural destinations.

Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World says, “North Carolina’s tourism performance is a powerful reminder that travel is not simply about visitor numbers; it is about the economic value created across communities, businesses and local livelihoods. Onslow County’s position among the state’s leading tourism economies demonstrates how destinations can turn natural assets, outdoor experiences, hospitality and authentic local character into sustained economic opportunity. With visitor spending approaching $415 million, the county has a strong foundation for future growth. For Jacksonville, North Topsail Beach and the Onslow community, this momentum creates an opportunity to strengthen tourism while protecting the experiences and natural resources that make the destination distinctive.”

Stronger Travel Growth Across North Carolina

The statewide results show that tourism growth is not concentrated exclusively in the largest cities or established coastal destinations, with 59 counties recording higher visitor spending in 2025. Cherokee led the state with a 13.9 per cent increase, followed by Macon at 11.1 per cent, while Richmond, Chatham, Bertie, Johnston, Caldwell, New Hanover, Burke and Yancey also recorded notable gains.

At the top of the spending rankings, Mecklenburg County led with $6.5 billion, followed by Wake County with $3.6 billion, Buncombe County with $2.6 billion and Dare County with $2.1 billion. The figures illustrate the variety of North Carolina’s tourism economy, where major cities, mountain destinations and coastal communities each contribute significantly to the state’s overall travel performance.

What Comes Next for Onslow County Tourism?

For Onslow County, maintaining a position inside North Carolina’s top 20 tourism economies creates a strong platform for continued destination development, but future success will depend on balancing visitor growth with the preservation of coastal and outdoor assets. Strengthening marketing, encouraging longer visitor stays, supporting local hospitality businesses and promoting experiences beyond peak beach periods could help spread tourism revenue more evenly across the county.

The latest data ultimately reinforces the importance of travel to Onslow County and North Carolina as a whole, with visitor spending supporting businesses, employment, tax revenue and community development. As competition between destinations intensifies, Onslow’s combination of Jacksonville’s urban services, North Topsail Beach’s coastal appeal and the county’s outdoor experiences gives the destination a solid foundation for sustainable tourism growth.

The cause is clear: stronger travel demand is pushing more visitors towards North Carolina’s beaches, cities, mountains and recreational attractions. The answer lies in a diversified tourism economy where accommodation, dining, recreation, shopping and transport capture visitor spending across communities. The reason Onslow County stands out is its combination of Jacksonville’s services, North Topsail Beach’s coastal appeal and wider outdoor experiences. Consequently, tourism spending supports businesses, employment and public revenue beyond the visitor’s immediate trip. Meanwhile, more North Carolina counties are benefiting from this expanding travel cycle. Together, these trends show why tourism remains a powerful economic force statewide.

Onslow County and more North Carolina counties are benefiting from rising tourism spending. Travel demand is spreading across coastal, urban, mountain and rural destinations. Consequently, hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers are gaining new economic opportunities. Onslow’s nearly $415 million in visitor spending highlights the strength of its tourism economy. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s record statewide visitor spending confirms the sector’s growing importance. The trend creates jobs, strengthens businesses and generates tax revenue. It also gives destinations opportunities to promote longer stays and wider experiences. Therefore, sustained tourism growth could deliver lasting benefits when communities balance visitor demand with responsible destination management.

Visit North Carolina — 2025 County-Level Tourism Spending:2025 County Tourism Spending Report

Visit North Carolina — Economic Impact Studies and County Data:Economic Impact Studies

Visit North Carolina — 2025 Statewide Tourism Spending:North Carolina Tourism Hits Record $37.2 Billion in 2025

WITN — Onslow County Ranks 19th in Tourism Spending:Onslow County Tourism Spending Report

Onslow County Government — FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report:Onslow County FY2025 Financial Report

Visit North Carolina — 2025 Visitor Spending Fast Facts:Visit NC Fast Facts

Visit North Carolina — 2024 County Tourism Spending:2024 County Tourism Spending Report

Visit North Carolina — 2024 Statewide Tourism Impact:Despite Helene, NC Breaks Tourism Spending Record