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Burke County trail leaders met April 2 to coordinate expansion of a 300-mile trail network. Officials highlighted tourism impact, safety, and future projects, with trails contributing to economic growth and outdoor recreation across the county.
Burke County tourism has rebounded strongly in the year since Hurricane Helene.
Burke Tourism Development Authority CEO Ed Phillips’ hour-plus presentation at Thursday’s Coffee at the Museum program was jam-packed with information.
At a recent “Coffee at the Museum” talk, Burke TDA CEO Ed Phillips gave a wide-ranging update on the state of tourism across the county.
Burke Tourism Director Ed Phillips will speak at the next "Coffee at the Museum" on Thursday, May 29.
The Historic Gilboa Foundation is seeking community input on how to best preserve the church and grounds and yet make them more accessible to the community.
Burke Tourism Development Authority CEO Ed Phillips said although tourism in the county was solid last year, the Parkway’s closure due to Hurricane Helene, which hit the area last fall, changes the landscape, especially for 2025.
The Burke County Tourism Authority received a Platinum Award from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association for the exceptional Design, Layout, and Functionality of the newly opened Burke County Visitors Center in downtown Morganton.
Nature’s Playground won’t be fully functioning again for a while, but substantial progress is being made.
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.
