Staff Reports
EDENTON — Visitors spent $31.63 million in Chowan County in 2025, a 0.4 percent increase from 2024, according to an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
The study found that tourism directly supported more than 180 jobs and generated $7.5 million in payroll in Chowan County last year. Visitor activity also generated about $2.85 million in combined state and local tax revenue.
“Visitor spending is about much more than the number of people who come to Edenton and Chowan County each year. It represents dollars flowing into our locally owned shops, restaurants, accommodations, attractions and other businesses,” Chowan County Tourism Director Erienne Mizell said a press release. “More than $31 million in annual visitor spending is a meaningful contribution to our local economy, supporting jobs, generating tax revenue and helping sustain the businesses and experiences that make our community special.”
According to the release, visitor activity generated $1.16 million in state tax revenue from sales and excise taxes and taxes on personal and corporate income. Tourism generated another $1.69 million in local tax revenue through occupancy, sales and property taxes from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.
Taxes generated by visitor spending resulted in an average savings of $207.30 in state and local taxes for each Chowan County resident, according to the study. The statewide per-capita savings averaged $244.
“Tourism allows us to share what we love about Edenton with people who may be discovering our community for the first time, while creating an economic benefit that stays right here at home,” Mizell said. “Our goal is to continue thoughtfully growing visitation in a way that supports local businesses, strengthens our events and attractions, and preserves the character that makes Edenton such a special place to live and visit.”
The Chowan County figures are part of The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2025, an annual study prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.
Statewide, domestic and international visitors spent $37.2 billion in North Carolina in 2025, up 1.3 percent from 2024, according to the release. Domestic travelers accounted for a record $36.1 billion, while international travelers spent $1.1 billion.
Visitors generated more than $4.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes statewide, an increase of 2.5 percent from 2024. Direct tourism employment increased 0.3 percent to 230,997 jobs, while direct tourism payroll rose 3.5 percent to $9.8 billion.
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