New report highlights $203 million tourism impact in Pender County
SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — Visitors to Pender County spent more than $203 million in 2025, according to a new study examining the economic impact of tourism across North Carolina.
The study, released Aug. 11, found visitors spent $203.08 million in Pender County last year, a 0.4% increase from the $202.25 million spent in 2024.
The data comes from the annual Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Tourism Economics prepared the report.
“The travel and tourism industry makes a positive financial impact in Pender County,” said Susan Griffin, chair of the Pender County Tourism Development Authority. “Tourism brings in revenue for our lodging, restaurants, recreation, retail and returns sales tax into the county.”
Tourism supports more than 1,000 jobs
According to the study, the travel and tourism industry directly employs more than 1,051 people in Pender County.
The industry generated an estimated $44.11 million in payroll during 2025.
Visitor activity also generated millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue.
The study estimates that tourism generated:
- $6.64 million in state tax revenue
- $9.48 million in local tax revenue from occupancy, sales and property taxes
- An average savings of $230.46 per Pender County resident in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending
Tourism-related businesses include lodging, restaurants, recreation and retail operations that benefit from visitors to the county.
Visit North Carolina Executive Director Wit Tuttell said the statewide report demonstrates the continued importance of tourism to communities throughout the state.
“As much as we’d love to see growth in each of our 100 counties, the study confirms the vitality of North Carolina’s tourism industry,” Tuttell said.
