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New Research Profiles Visitors to Western North Carolina

New Research Profiles Visitors to Western North Carolina

FLETCHER, NC – June 4, 2007. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and Appalachian State University announced the findings of a recent survey of visitors to Western North Carolina. The surveys were collected at heritage sites and welcome centers across the 25-county region in the late summer and early fall of 2006.The survey research shows that the typical visitor to the North Carolina mountains is a baby boomer (51 years old on average) who is college-educated and fairly prosperous (average household income of $67,111).On average, overnight visitors spent $108 per day while day trippers spent $61 per day during their visit to the mountains. Overnight visitors stayed 3-4 nights on average.The top three reported motivations for visiting the region were: relaxation/escape (48%), spending time with family and/or friends (28%), and outdoor adventure (10%).The top five reported activities of visitors were: scenic drive/Blue Ridge Parkway (64%), natural/scenic attractions (42%), historic downtowns (40%), Biltmore House (36%), and gorges/waterfalls (27%). “This research provides more hard data on who our visitors are, what they are doing when they get here, and what kind of economic impact that has,” said Penn Dameron, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. “It can help tourism businesses refine their marketing messages and develop new experiences and services.”

The complete research report, titled 2006 Survey of Visitors to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, is available for download from the following webpage:

www.blueridgeheritage.com/aboutus/research.html.

The 2006 survey is a follow-up to a 2005 regional visitor survey and focuses in detail on the activity interests of visitors to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. The research was conducted by Appalachian State University and was sponsored in part by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.Blue Ridge National Heritage AreaContact: Penn Dameron, Executive DirectorPhone: (828) 687-7234

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, designated by Congress and the President in November, 2003, works to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations, and in so doing to stimulate improved economic opportunity in the region. National Heritage Areas are locally-governed institutions that encourage residents, non-profit groups, government agencies, and private partners to work together in planning and implementing programs that preserve and celebrate America’s defining landscapes.

The views and conclusions contained in this news release are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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