Press Releases

Highlights Tourism Week

NC Commerce Accepting Brand Specialty License Plate Applications Starting Today

, NC - Governor Pat McCrory announced today that North Carolina tourism generated record visitor spending in 2014 with a total of $21.3 billion,  a 5.4 percent increase over 2013. Additionally, tourism industry supported employment topped 200,000 jobs for the first time.   

, N.C. -  Governor Pat McCrory announced today the positive results of a study measuring the statewide economic impact of the unprecedented back-to-back 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships, conducted by the United States Golf Association at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina June 9-22, 2014.

State Spending by Domestic Visitors Jumps to Record $20 Billion

hurst, N.C. - With the U.S. Women’s Open beginning this week, the state of North Carolina has developed a video presentation that highlights the coordinated efforts of several state agencies in preparation for the events.  It is estimated that more than 350,000 people will attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst during the unprecedented back-to-back events.  The USGA estimates the total economic impact of the two championships will be between $140-$170 million.   

Free Event Featuring the North Carolina Symphony is Open to the Public

rst, NC)—As part of the festivities surrounding the U.S. Open Championship, the USGA is partnering with the State of North Carolina, Friday, June 13 as part of its “U.S. Open Experience” series of events in the Village of Pinehurst.  The event, featuring the North Carolina Symphony, is free and open to the public.  The program which will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and selections from Terry Mizesko’s “Sketches From Pinehurst,” begins at 9:00 p.m. Friday in Tufts Park in the main business district of Pinehurst.

  With tens of thousands of golf enthusiasts descending on North Carolina over the next two weeks for the 2014 U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open, the state has worked hard to make sure they will have a great and unique experience.  Several of the state’s cabinet level agencies have coordinated their effort to put North Carolina’s best foot forward for visitors.  It is estimated that more than 400,000 people will attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst during the unprecedented back-to-back events.  

State Tax Receipts from Visitor Spending Surpass $1 Billion