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Seeking Solace in Highlands
Written By: Kaye McHan | Issue: 2021/11 – November
Despite a once-in-a-century pandemic, Highlands’ steady influx of visitors has enriched the entire Plateau.
It’s November and that always makes people take a good look at gratitude, at least for one day.
In Highlands, we have so many reasons to be grateful. It’s good to think about the peripheral edges of what provides us with all that we enjoy.
The Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC are grateful for the long-time tradition of welcoming visitors to our community. In 2020 those visiting Macon County spent 230.1 million dollars through lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transportation.
Of course, all this spending must be backed up by businesses that provide the services, so visitors also provided jobs and incomes of $63.3 million to our neighbors who are serving visitors. We are so grateful that neighbors were able to work and support their families because of visitors. Visitors also provide funding to keep our county and town’s budgets healthy by generating local taxes totaling $15.8 million. We are so grateful that visitors chose Macon County as their North Carolina destination because it is a win-win, successful collaboration.
Data from the state’s 2020 Economic Impact Studies Report indicates 37 million people took trips to our state. North Carolina is ranked Number 5 in the United States for domestic visitation.
In the mountain regions of North Carolina, approximately 11.3 million visitors came to explore, and 82 percent of them were overnight guests who spent on average $805. Daytrip visitors averaged $131. That’s an 84 percent increase if guests stay the night. The above stats are gathered annually through the State of North Carolina’s Visit NC research. You can view details at visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. We are grateful for our businesses who provide hospitality, and some of these businesses are amongst the oldest in town.
Highlands has been welcoming visitors since its founding in 1875. Visitors have come to explore our mountains, to heal and rejuvenate, and to begin new lives. We are grateful for our community and visitors who seek and find their center and heart’s desire right here in Highlands, our living symbol of thanks and giving.
