Record Tourism Growth in Wake County Boosts Local Economy in 2023

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) has published its 2023 Wake County Tourism Industry Report. The report shows that hotel occupancy tax collections were over $38 million, a 15.6% increase from 2022. Prepared food and beverage tax collections were $44.6 million, up 9.3% from the previous year. These figures are 12.13% higher than those of 2022.

The report also provides data on bookings and hotel occupancy. In 2023, GRCVB and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) hosted 367 events, with nearly 629,000 attendees. Hotel occupancy was 68.5%, up nearly 3% from 2022, and higher than both state and national averages.

For 2023, the GRCVB and GRSA have booked 398 events. These are expected to result in about 299,000 room-nights, contributing an estimated $206.3 million to Wake County's economy.

Dennis Edwards, GRCVB President and CEO, is pleased with the 2023 results. He attributes the positive performance to Raleigh's attractiveness as a tourist destination. He also mentioned the ongoing development of the tourism sector, with new businesses opening regularly. Edwards noted that RDU International Airport will have a record number of international flight destinations in 2024.

The full report on the performance of the tourism and hospitality industry in Wake County in 2023 is available in GRCVB's press release. The report indicates steady growth in the county's tourism industry.

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