Tourism spending increases in county
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on August 24, 2016 1:46 PM
Visitor spending related to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, area recreational opportunities and sporting events played a role in Wayne County's 3.2 percent increase in tourism spending in 2015.
Visitors to and within Wayne County spent an estimated $156.15 million during the year, according to figures released by Visit North Carolina following a U.S. Travel Association study.
"There's a lot of different factors that bring people in," said Gretchen Reed, chairwoman of the Goldsboro Tourism Council and Wayne County Tourism Development Authority. "I just think all of the events we've hosted have had an impact."
The travel and tourism industry in Wayne County employed 1,000 people, provided $12.8 million in local and state tax revenue and generated $21.2 million in industry supported payroll, in 2015.
Tourism revenues have steadily increased through the years, with visitors spending $108.64 million in 2006 and $74.7 million in 1996, according to the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports.
Wayne County experienced a greater increase in tourism activity than most area counties. The county's increase is also on par with the statewide increase of nearly 3 percent for the year. Statewide, domestic visitors spent a record $21.9 billion.
The local Air Force base, regional swimming competitions and adult softball tournaments were some of the larger contributors to tourism-related revenue in the past year, said Scott Barnard, Goldsboro Parks and Recreation director and member of the tourism board.
Other drivers include visitors to Busco Beach, area sport tournaments, the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield and other recreation activities.
Activity related to the Air Force base includes family visits, training programs and the base's reserve troops, Barnard said.
"The number one driver for tourism revenue is going to be our Air Force base," he said. "It's our military base, it's recreation and our location on U.S. 70 and (Interstate) 795.
"For someone going from New York City to Charleston, (I-795) is becoming a very popular cutoff route."
Increased visitor spending and activity is expected with the future openings of the Maxwell Regional Agricultural Center, on Wayne Memorial Drive, and the multi-sports complex, near SJAFB, Barnard said.
"We'll see some serious bumps with the multi-sports complex and the agricultural center within a couple years," he said.
Wayne County's tourism-related revenue was higher than other nearby counties. Duplin County experienced a 2.1 increase to $39.16 million in visitor spending, Lenoir County had a 1 percent decline to $81.11 million, and Greene County had an 0.2 percent increase to $5.6 million. Visitors spent $221.72 million in Johnston County where revenues increased by 3.2 percent and $218.83 million in Pitt County where revenues increased by 2.3 percent.
Visitor spending increased in 91 of North Carolina's 100 counties. Tourism activity to state sites, attractions and museums also increased by nearly 1.8 million visitors during the year.
"Tourism is a major force in North Carolina's economic development," said Gov. Pat McCrory. "The industry is fueling a continued growth in jobs and contributing substantial sums to the state budget and local economies in every corner of our great state."