Domestic visitors to and within Orange County spent nearly $198 million in 2017, according to Visit North Carolina. A 2.67 percent increase from 2016, which represents a tax saving of $105.53 per county resident.

Travel and tourism employs more than 1,900 people in Orange County and, according to communications director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, gives a local economy a major boost.

“We’ve seen increases in tax revenue,” says Griffin. “The state tax revenue generated in Orange County due to visitor spending [was] $10.69 million, and local taxes, an increase of four percent at $4.33 million. So, that’s $15 million in local and state tax revenue that’s also positively impacted the area. This shows that travel and tourism has a major economic impact in a positive way on Orange County.”

Griffin lists an improving economy, festivals, conferences and UNC’s 2017 NCAA Basketball Championship among the reasons for this increase in visitor spending. She also believes that the shadow cast over the state by HB2 is finally starting to subside.

“A large conference that was canceled for June 2017 is happening in June 2019, so I think that and also our message that all are welcome,” says Griffin. “We certainly invite all visitors and are open to anyone who’d like to come visit our area.”

Griffin says the new figures show that the Visitors Bureau’s strategy working to attract visitors to Orange County is working.

“Just spreading the word about all the things there are to do and see in the area,” says Griffin. “All our great restaurants and our wonderful attractions and the quality of life here. We’re just working to spread the word to people to visit the area, and we really think that they’ll enjoy their time here.”

Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier this year that visitors to the state as a whole set a record for spending in 2017.

Related Stories
‹
Tourism Spending Increases for Orange, Chatham Counties After 2020 Lows
North Carolina recently received its annual tourism report. Locally, Chatham and Orange counties experienced healthy rebounds in revenue.
Visitors Spending Up in Orange County Last Year Despite HB2
Domestic visitors to and within Orange County spent 4.4 percent more money in 2016 than 2015, according to Visit North Carolina. Tourists in Orange County spent over $192 million last year, which represents a tax savings of over $103 per Orange County resident. Orange County Commissioner and Orange County Visitors Bureau board member Penny Rich […]
Freezing Rain May Lead to Slippery Commute Wednesday
Winter has officially settled in across the Tar Heel state, and our area is no exception. After seeing heavy rain early Monday morning, temperatures have fallen and led to the possibility of some icing as we continue through the week. The National Weather Service has issued alerts – including a Winter Weather Advisory for Orange […]
Last-Ditch Effort to Trim Tax Increase Splits Orange County Commissioners; Budget Passes with Higher Rate
Orange County approved its budget plan for Fiscal Year 2027-28 with a 4.22-cent tax increase. But its approval wasn't without some bumps.
Refuel Prepares to Open Renovated Chapel Hill Location; Will Feature New Local Mural
Refuel will celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated gas station, featuring a new mural, in Chapel Hill on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World Series
In today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
Across the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]
Local Government Meetings: June 15-19, 2026
This week in local government: a proposed AI moratorium in Durham and a board appointment (maybe) in Chatham County.
Buc-ee's Breaks Ground on New Mebane Travel Center, First in North Carolina
Leaders from across Alamance County, the North Carolina General Assembly, and Buc-ee's representatives gathered to break ground.
Orange County Juneteenth Celebrations to Take Place Across Two Weekends. Here's What to Know
This year's local Juneteenth events are set to take place across various weekends. Here’s how Orange County’s governments are celebrating.
›