Burke thrives on rising visitor spending

More than once, we’ve used this space to address the need for job growth in Burke County. The decline of the furniture industry was a blow to our once-glorious days of manufacturing.

But there’s hope.

Efforts are underway to bring back good old-fashioned “making stuff.” Drexel is working to revitalize the former site of Drexel Furniture. The county plans to build a speculative building off Kathy Road to attract new manufacturers. And the former home of high-end furniture maker EJ Victor is being renovated to welcome another employer.

We still believe in the importance of lighting a fire under anyone who can help spark good-paying jobs in Burke County, so residents don’t have to leave home to provide for their families.

However, last week reminded us of another reason for optimism: the strength of our visitor economy.

Burke has long been renowned for its natural beauty and historic downtowns. But the latest figures tell an even bigger story: we are becoming one of North Carolina’s most successful travel destinations.

In 2024, visitors spent an impressive $154.26 million here, an 11.9% increase over the prior year. That’s nearly four times the statewide growth rate of 3.1%.

While some of North Carolina’s largest destinations — Buncombe, Dare, and New Hanover counties — saw slower or even negative growth, Burke is climbing the charts. We now account for 0.4% of the state’s total visitor spending. At first glance, that may seem modest, but our county is expanding faster than most.

The impact goes far beyond postcards and Instagram photos. This surge in visitor spending is boosting Burke’s bottom line. In 2024 alone, the travel industry supported 931 local jobs and generated more than $5.85 million in local tax revenue. That’s money that paves our roads, funds our schools, and keeps our communities thriving. In fact, visitors saved each Burke County resident an estimated $115 in state and local taxes.

As Ed Phillips, CEO of the Burke County Tourism Development Authority, explained:

“The biggest benefit … is the taxes that are paid here by the visitors. It saves, in Burke County, $115.29 a year per person … that otherwise they would have to make up through other property taxes.”

Our investments in outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and downtowns are paying off. Burke’s branding as “Nature’s Playground” — highlighting our state parks, greenways, and outdoor adventure — is resonating with travelers and locals alike. To keep this momentum, we must continue investing in our parks and trails, marketing our hidden gems, and creating experiences that make visitors want to return.

And with fall color season just around the corner, Burke County is preparing for another influx of travelers eager to experience “Nature’s Playground” at its most stunning.

The extra cars on our streets and longer waits at our favorite restaurants aren’t only signs of popularity. They’re signs of prosperity.

The influx of visitors is keeping our restaurants open, our small businesses thriving, and our identity alive. Burke’s resident population alone isn’t large enough to support the diversity of restaurants, diners, and pubs we enjoy. For those of us who appreciate variety when dining out, we owe a debt of gratitude to the people choosing to spend their weekends (and their dollars) here.

This isn’t just about outsiders. It’s about us. It’s about good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities. Burke County is proving that we have what travelers are looking for. We’re not just a stop on the map. We’re a destination.