Tourism

How does this affect me?

Cultural tourism is the fastest growing, passive form of outdoor recreation in the country. About two-thirds of the population consistently indicate in surveys their interest in access to the outdoors and to our country life and history. They want authentic experiences.

We provide great locations for the following interests:

• Cycling is the fastest-growing active recreation. North Carolina offers opportunities to explore country lanes and trailways.
  
  
• Birdwatching is the fastest growing passive nature-based activity.
  
  
• Walking and water sports figure prominently in any survey of desired recreational activities.

Tourism ties closely to how we use our land, the need for well-designed and carefully placed development, and the protection and presentation of sites of historical and cultural interests. Anything that compromises these assets potentially compromises a major source for sustainable long-term revenue and jobs.