Henderson County -- September 4, 2026: Henderson County’s travel and hospitality sector posted robust gains in 2025, overcoming storm-related recovery headwinds to generate $453.34 million in visitor spending. That performance marks a 3.6% increase over 2024, outpacing statewide economic growth by nearly three to one.
The data, drawn from the annual economic impact study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, cements Henderson County’s standing as the 17th largest tourism economy among North Carolina’s 100 counties. The expansion was felt across all core sectors of the local travel economy, including lodging, food and beverage, outdoor recreation, retail, and transportation.
Key 2025 Economic Highlights:
2,813 local jobs directly supported by the tourism sector.
$126.7 million generated in local tourism payroll.
$34.4 million total tax contribution, with $18.13 million going to local government coffers and $16.27 million in state receipts.
$278.38 in annual tax savings for each Henderson County resident as a direct offset from visitor spending.
Michelle Owens, executive director of Visit Hendersonville, noted that the county’s dollar-for-dollar performance demonstrated an exceptional regional trajectory.
“The key takeaway for me is a spending increase of nearly $15.89 million, which puts us 12th statewide in visitor-spending dollars gained,” Owens said. “Our county’s performance also points to growing strength as a distinct destination with its own identity, experiences and reasons to visit.”
Owens emphasized that Henderson County’s 3.6% growth rate made it one of the few Western North Carolina counties to post net spending gains in the wake of the storm disruptions.
Across the state, visitor spending climbed 1.3% to a record $37.2 billion, supporting 230,997 jobs. While 59 of the state’s 100 counties recorded increases in traveler spending, 14 saw revenues flatten.
Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC, underscored the broader community dividend created by authentic regional travel.
“Those who take trips to and within North Carolina are elevated by the authenticity of what they experience,” Tuttell said. “Our culture, our cuisine and our vast outdoor wonders not only bring pleasure. They also serve as an economic engine that makes our lives better.”
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Image: City of Hendersonville