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As NC visitor spending surges, Mecklenburg County leads the way

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — With its rugged mountains and coastal retreats, perhaps it should come as no surprise that visitor spending in North Carolina continues to grow — but it’s the state’s largest metro that’s drawing the most dollars, according to figures recently released by Visit North Carolina.

[ALSO READ: Top NC tourist attractions: 2019 edition]

Statewide spending by domestic visitors rose to a record $25.3 billion in 2018, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year.

While that growth was reflected across all of the state’s 100 counties, Mecklenburg County led the way with nearly $5.7 billion. Wake County ranked No. 2 with roughly $2.4 billion, followed by Guilford County at $1.5 billion.

The tourism industry in Mecklenburg alone directly employs 53,300 workers, generating a $2.2 billion payroll.

Read more here and check out photos of some of the county's top attractions.