Dare Joins Alamance, Beaufort, Cabarrus, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth and Other North Carolina Counties in Leaping Huge Tourism Growth, Catapulting Travel Sector in Rural America, Everything You Need To Know is Here

Published on December 20, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Dare County is now part of a growing group of North Carolina counties—including Alamance, Beaufort, Cabarrus, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, and others—experiencing huge tourism growth. This surge is catapulting the travel sector in rural America, with Dare County seeing massive increases in tourism spending and economic activity.

As Dare joins these counties, it’s clear that rural America is becoming a major tourism powerhouse. From festivals to local events, Dare County is setting the stage for continued growth. Everything you need to know about this exciting tourism boom is right here, so read on to find out more!

In 2025, Dare County has joined the ranks of Alamance, Beaufort, Cabarrus, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, and other North Carolina counties in experiencing a huge tourism growth. This surge is transforming the travel sector, particularly in rural America, where counties like Dare are becoming key players. The dramatic rise in visitor spending is catapulting the county’s economy, making it a leader in North Carolina’s tourism revolution. As Dare County joins these rapidly growing areas, it’s clear that tourism growth is changing the landscape of rural America in ways we never expected.

North Carolina’s Tourism Explosion: How Counties Are Breaking Records in 2024

In 2024, North Carolina made history. With $36.7 billion in tourism spending, the state achieved record-breaking numbers that have left the tourism industry astounded. This surge is not just about big cities; it’s a statewide phenomenon, impacting 71 counties across North Carolina. From the thriving metropolis of Charlotte to the serene beauty of the Crystal Coast, North Carolina’s tourism is on fire—and it’s time to understand why.

Unprecedented Growth: The Power of North Carolina’s Tourism Economy

When it comes to tourism spending, North Carolina is leading the pack. In 2024, the state saw a 3.1% increase in visitor spending, pushing the total figure to a stunning $36.7 billion. This growth wasn’t just limited to the well-known counties like Mecklenburg or Wake. In fact, 71 of North Carolina’s 100 counties experienced an increase in tourism spending, with some seeing double-digit percentage rises. As tourism spending continues to fuel the state’s economy, it’s clear that North Carolina is more than just a popular destination—it’s a tourism juggernaut. (Source)

The Economic Power of Tourism: How It Transforms Local Economies

North Carolina’s tourism is more than just a holiday hotspot—it’s an economic powerhouse. In 2024, tourism helped create over 230,000 jobs in the state, contributing to a total payroll of $9.5 billion. Counties like Guilford, Forsyth, and Iredell saw significant employment boosts as visitors flocked to the area. And it’s not just jobs—tourism contributes $4.6 billion in tax revenue, supporting vital state and local services. This surge in tourism spending is lifting up entire communities, driving local businesses, and creating economic resilience across North Carolina. (Source)

Record-Breaking Visitor Spending: Which Counties Are Dominating?

Dare County Tourism Report Highlights Key Initiatives and Economic Impact

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (OBVB) has unveiled its 2025–26 State of Dare County Tourism report, offering a comprehensive review of the county’s tourism performance, marketing initiatives, and long-term planning efforts, including updates from Hatteras Island. This report sheds light on the significant role tourism plays in Dare County’s economy, drawing from The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study by Tourism Economics, commissioned by Visit North Carolina.

Tourism’s Economic Impact and Long-Term Planning

The report underscores the continued importance of visitor spending as a key economic driver in Dare County. It also highlights the county’s Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP), which focuses on balancing visitor demand with maintaining residents’ quality of life, managing infrastructure capacity, and ensuring environmental protection. The OBVB emphasizes that during the reporting period, there was continued community engagement, especially on Hatteras Island, where efforts to engage local villages have made significant strides.

Grants at Work Program: Reinvesting Tourism Dollars

A major highlight of the report is the Grants at Work program, which channels occupancy tax revenue into funding community projects and events across Dare County. The program has funded various initiatives, including festivals, heritage programs, and crucial infrastructure improvements on Hatteras Island, demonstrating how tourism dollars are reinvested back into the local communities that generate them.

Marketing and Off-Peak Tourism Strategies

To manage visitor numbers year-round, OBVB’s marketing efforts focus on promoting lesser-known experiences and encouraging off-peak travel. This strategy aims to spread visitation beyond the summer months and promote tourism across all parts of Dare County, including the southern Outer Banks. Additionally, the OBVB’s Outer Edge video series has showcased local culture, history, and Hatteras Island stories, including episodes filmed at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

Trade Shows and Group Travel Engagement

The report also highlights OBVB’s engagement with travel planners and group markets through trade show participation, further boosting shoulder-season visitation. These efforts contribute to expanding the reach of Dare County tourism beyond the peak season, benefiting events and experiences, particularly in the southern Outer Banks.

As North Carolina’s tourism continues to grow, some counties are standing out with exceptional growth rates. Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, leads the charge with the highest tourism revenue in the state, reflecting its status as the financial and entertainment hub of the region. But it’s not just big cities like Charlotte and Raleigh that are benefiting. Rural and suburban areas are also cashing in, with counties like Cleveland, Burke, and Iredell seeing impressive growth in tourism spending, with double-digit percentage increases. It’s clear: tourism is not just for cities—it’s spreading across the entire state. (Source)

Tourist Attractions Across North Carolina: From Beaches to Mountains

North Carolina is a treasure trove of attractions that appeal to every kind of traveller. Whether it’s history, outdoor adventure, or beachfront relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Take the Crystal Coast, for example, which stretches across Carteret and Onslow counties. With its beautiful beaches, maritime history, and diving experiences, it’s a top destination for those seeking sun and sea. Meanwhile, in the mountains, Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This diverse range of attractions helps explain why tourism is thriving in every corner of the state. (Source)

Family Fun and Thrills: The Rise of Theme Parks and Events

North Carolina is also a hotspot for family-friendly fun. From the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro (Randolph County) to Carowinds in Charlotte, families flock to the state for unforgettable experiences. In fact, Carowinds, one of the largest amusement parks in the region, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Meanwhile, cultural events like the Lexington Barbecue Festival in Davidson County bring in tens of thousands of visitors every year. These festivals and theme parks are becoming more crucial to the tourism landscape, driving up local revenue and enhancing North Carolina’s reputation as a family destination.

Rural and Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Hidden Gems of North Carolina

While North Carolina’s big cities and beaches are obvious draws, don’t overlook the rural charm that the state offers. Counties like Davidson and Caswell boast picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and local festivals that attract visitors who crave authenticity. The Barn Quilt Trails in these rural areas have become increasingly popular, attracting road trip travellers and cultural explorers. These hidden gems, often missed by traditional tourism marketing, are becoming vital contributors to the state’s overall tourism economy.

The Economic Impact of North Carolina’s Top Counties in 2024

North Carolina’s tourism economy is supported by the impressive performance of several key counties. Mecklenburg, Guilford, Forsyth, and Wake counties saw massive increases in visitor spending. In fact, Guilford County, which includes Greensboro, posted $1.79 billion in tourism expenditures in 2024, surpassing expectations. Wake County, home to Raleigh, was not far behind with $1.2 billion. These counties continue to lead the state’s tourism efforts, drawing tourists to their vibrant urban centres, cultural landmarks, and dynamic economies.

Challenges and Opportunities: The Future of North Carolina Tourism

Despite its growth, North Carolina’s tourism industry faces challenges. Environmental concerns, particularly regarding the preservation of its coastlines, are becoming increasingly important as tourism numbers rise. Chimney Rock and other natural parks are facing the pressure of higher visitor numbers, making sustainable tourism practices essential for the state’s future growth. Additionally, seasonal tourism fluctuations mean that some counties, especially rural ones, must find ways to maintain tourism interest year-round. Still, North Carolina’s strong reputation as a family-friendly, adventure-filled destination bodes well for its tourism future.

The Takeaway: North Carolina’s Tourism Revolution

As we look at the growth in tourism spending, job creation, and infrastructure development across the state, it’s clear: North Carolina’s tourism boom is a game-changer. From the mountains to the coast, from family-friendly parks to luxury resorts, North Carolina is offering something for every traveller. With record-breaking revenue, thriving local economies, and a vibrant tourism ecosystem, it’s no wonder that the state is positioning itself as one of the most desirable destinations in the country.

If you’ve yet to experience the magic of North Carolina, now’s the time to pack your bags. Whether you’re exploring the pristine shores of the Crystal Coast, taking in the majestic views from Chimney Rock, or immersing yourself in the cultural heart of Charlotte, North Carolina is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and a whole lot of surprises.