Tourism Coverage

Wake County sees huge boost in tourism money

Wake County said the county saw record tourism revenue, just one year after the county saw its "best year on record" for tourism profit.

Tourism in Wake County hits new record, Visit Raleigh says

A year-end 2023 Wake County Tourism report from Visit Raleigh shows both the hotel lodging and prepared food and beverage tax collections were the highest on record. County commissioner Vickie Adamson says the numbers are 'exciting' as the county exceeds national and state averages.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

NC fall getaway: Hike, sip and enjoy fall color in the Yadkin Valley

In the fall, Yadkin Valley comes alive with changing leaves, festive events and vibrant local flavors -- here are some of the can't-miss highlights.

Rip current threat won't dampen beach fun for Labor Day weekend

Red "no swimming" flags are flying along the Outer Banks beaches from Duck down to Ocracoke, but plenty of visitors and residents are ready to make the best of a holiday weekend without going in the ocean.

Monica Casey, WRAL reporter

$387M in funding approved to expand Raleigh Convention Center, move Red Hat Amphitheater

More than $387 million will help pay to expand the Raleigh Convention Center and relocate Red Hat Amphitheater a block south of its current location.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Tourism dollars to fund expanded convention center, new amphitheater

Wake County commissioners have approved funding for several projects using tax money from hotel stays and restaurant meals.

18 million tourists visited Wake County in 2022

Visitor spending in Wake County grew to near pre-pandemic levels last year.

18 million tourists spent record $3 billion in Wake County last year, report says

Visitor spending in Wake County grew to near pre-pandemic levels last year.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Building a Better Colonial Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Those who come to Colonial Williamsburg on a nostalgia trip will find some of what they are looking for.

Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times

Durham's sports tourism industry blossoming as fans descend on city for championships

People from all over the country are visiting Durham in May for high school and college championships.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Track championships bring tourism dollars to Durham

Durham County Memorial Stadium will be filled with fans over the next two days for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

League of Legends event helps Raleigh's rep as esports hotspot

Raleigh's PNC Arena will host the esports League Championship Series spring finals on April 8 and 9.

Brian Murphy, WRAL reporter

Studies: Year-round workers need affordable housing to support tourism

The growth and demand for a coastal getaway comes at a cost for North Carolina - there is simply not enough affordable housing for those who support the tourism sector.

Clark Twiddy, president of Twiddy & Company

Topsail Beach celebrates the Year of Trail with monthly hikes

The Historical Society of Topsail Island, Missiles and More Museum, and Pender County Tourism will present the Topsail Beach Top Secret Hike on March 11, starting at 11 a.m.

Charlotte's tourism arm scrutinized for excluding minority-, women-owned businesses

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority has yet to outline any specific changes following its exclusion of minority and women-owned businesses for a $750,000 job.

WCNC

Red Hat Amphitheater and Raleigh Convention Center could get a makeover

Kerry Painter, general manager and director of the complex, presented plans for an expanded and renovated Raleigh Convention Center and a move for Red Hat Amphitheater, to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events and entertainment in downtown Raleigh.

Big changes: Red Hat Amphitheater could be relocated as part of Raleigh Convention Center's proposed expansion

Kerry Painter, general manager and director of the complex, presented plans for an expanded and renovated Raleigh Convention Center and a move for Red Hat Amphitheater, to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events and entertainment in downtown Raleigh.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Leisure travelers push Wake tourism $$ to 'best year on record'

The Wake County 2022 Tourism Industry Report shows hotel occupancy tax and prepared food and beverage tax collections reached record highs last year.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

North Carolina awarded 2029 World University Games

North Carolina and the Triangle will host the World University Games in summer 2029. The state lost its 2027 bid to host the games.

North Carolina to host Olympic-style summer games for college athletes in 2029

North Carolina and the Triangle will host the World University Games in summer 2029. The state lost its 2027 bid to host the games.

Brian Murphy and Matt Talhelm, WRAL News

NAIA championship, basketball tournament bolsters Durham's growing sports tourism outlook

Two major sporting events are coming to the Bull City in December, bringing tourism dollars and support for youth sports with them.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

NAIA championship helps bring millions of dollars to Durham

Two major sporting events are coming to the Bull City in December, bringing tourism dollars and support for youth sports with them.

Wake County tourism industry sees growth

The Wake County tourism industry has seen an uptick in visitor spending, according to a report released by Visit Raleigh on Wednesday.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Sept. 29

From infectious disease planning to mental health spending, here's a look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted over the previous week.

Targeted News Service

Pandemic rebound: Festivals, conventions, development bring tourists back to Raleigh

Wake County welcomed nearly 16 million visitors who spent $2.3 billion in 2021, according to a report from Visit Raleigh.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter