North Carolina -- March 18, 2026: Speaking to over 500 industry professionals at the Visit NC Tourism Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, Governor Stein celebrated the immense impact of tourism on the state’s economy. Despite the challenges following Hurricane Helene in late 2024, the Governor emphasized that Western North Carolina is officially "reopened for business."
Key tourism statistics shared by the Governor include:
Economic Impact: Visitors spent nearly $37 billion in North Carolina in 2024.
Daily Contribution: Tourism adds more than $100 million to the state’s economy every single day.
Tax Relief: On average, tourism spending saves a typical North Carolina household approximately $600 per year in state and local taxes.
Employment: More than 230,000 residents are employed in tourism-related sectors.
The Governor highlighted the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" initiative, launched alongside First Lady Anna Stein, which specifically encourages travelers to return to the western part of the state to help spark local economic recovery.
Kicking Off the Rural Listening Tour
In addition to his address in Asheville, Governor Stein traveled to Marion in McDowell County to launch his administration's Rural Listening Tour. This series of sessions aims to engage directly with the 3.5 million North Carolinians living in rural areas—the second-largest rural population in the United States.
Accompanied by cabinet secretaries, the Governor met with local business owners and elected officials at McDowell Technical Community College. The discussion centered on several critical priorities:
Workforce Housing: Identified by local leaders as a top challenge for retaining and attracting jobs.
Infrastructure: Highlights include recent investments of over $472 million for water and wastewater projects and $300 million for high-speed internet expansion.
Health Care: A focus on the $213 million secured for the Rural Health Transformation Program to support more than 400 rural facilities.
Governor Stein’s visit concluded with a stop at Flavors on Main in Marion, where he met with small business owners to hear firsthand about their experiences and the ongoing needs of the community.
Image: NC Governor Stein's Office