About Tourism Extension

About Tourism in NC

Each year, over 60 million visitors flock to North Carolina and contribute more than $14 billion annually to the state’s economy. These numbers continue to rise as Carolina moves up the list of Top 10 most visited U.S. states. Tourism is also a vital industry for North Carolina in many other ways: it generates close to $748 million in state tax dollars a year, and over $450 million in local tax revenues; directly supports nearly 200,000 jobs and close to $4 billion in wages; and has brought new life to areas left without a livelihood by the demise of other industries.

In short, tourism means jobs for North Carolinians and economic prosperity for communities across the state. Tourism Extension’s engagement and economic development programs recognize the importance of tourism and allow Tourism Extension to be a partner in planning, developing, and growing sustainable tourism and recreation resources across North Carolina. These programs also reflect the growing diversity of the tourism industry as well as Cooperative Extension and NC State’s national stature within many of its most important sectors.

Our Mission

The mission of Tourism Extension is to improve the quality of tourism provision across rural NC by helping individuals and communities develop healthy, prosperous and enduring tourism enterprises that will boost economic and community development efforts.  As Tourism Extension Specialists we seek to provide programs, resources and assistance to Extension Agents and other professionals working in rural counties across North Carolina.

On The Road With Tourism Extension

Tourism Extension works hard to stay engaged. Check out where we've been.

Tourism Extension Strategic Report (White Paper)

The Tourism Extension Strategic Report, entitled Tourism Extension: Helping Communities Develop Healthy, Prosperous, and Enduring Tourism Enterprises, outlines the role of Tourism Extension, current projects, and plans for the future. Click here to view the Tourism Extension Strategic Report

Purpose of This Site

The Tourism Extension website was created and designed to benefit Extension Agents and other professionals working throughout rural North Carolina.  The overall purpose of this website is to provide useful information on a variety of tourism-related topics, to identify additional resources, and to provide a forum to share current news and information related to tourism and extension within North Carolina and beyond.  We hope you find this website useful and easy to navigate. 

The Tourism Extension website will continue to evolve and change so please be sure to check back often for new information and resources.  Is something missing?  Would you like to add something to the Tourism Extension website?  Would you like us to link to your organization on this website?  Do you have suggestions for content, navigation, etc.?  If so, contact us and share your thoughts, information, and/or suggestions.