Travel and tourism in Burke County, North Carolina, continues to thrive, with visitors injecting $137.75 million into the local economy in 2023, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. The relocation of the Burke County Visitor Center to a more visible spot led to an 80% increase in visitor traffic in the first half of 2024. The tourism industry in the county directly employs over 865 workers, generating a total payroll of $30.2 million and contributing significantly to state and local tax revenues. The overall success of tourism in the region is highlighted by the positive impact on employment, tax revenue, and the economy, as depicted in the 2023 economic impact study.