Amid the scenic backdrop of Asheville, Governor Josh Stein addressed over 500 professionals from the travel sector, underscoring the crucial role tourism plays in North Carolina’s economy. This marked the second day of his visit to the western part of the state.
In his speech at the Visit NC Tourism Conference, Stein highlighted that tourism brought in nearly $37 billion to North Carolina in 2024. He emphasized the broad impact of this revenue, stating, “That’s revenue that supports our schools, our roads, our parks, and public safety.” According to Stein, the financial boost from tourism translates to an approximate $600 annual saving for each North Carolina household in state and local taxes.
The region is still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which caused substantial losses to local businesses, averaging $322,000 per business. Tourism and hospitality, integral to the area’s economy, have been gradually bouncing back. Stein has been actively promoting Western North Carolina as a destination, encouraging visitors to return following the devastation.
“As the state works hard to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, it was important for us to let the country know – to let the world know – that Western North Carolina has reopened for business,” Stein asserted during his address.
Governor Stein’s visit also included a roundtable discussion in McDowell County with local leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government sectors. The conversation centered on rural challenges such as education, healthcare, public safety, and economic growth.
During the roundtable, housing emerged as a critical concern. Kim Effler, President and CEO of the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the issue, stating, “This must be on our radar if we want to continue to retain and attract jobs in rural communities like McDowell.”
North Carolina’s rural population is significant, with about one-third of its residents, or 3.5 million people, living in these areas, second only to Texas in the United States. In response to these challenges, Stein plans to conduct additional listening sessions in rural counties, including an upcoming one in Jackson County scheduled for May.
