PITTSBORO, NC— Visitor spending in Chatham County increased 8.9% in 2025 compared with 2024, ranking Chatham fourth among North Carolina’s 100 counties for growth in tourism economic impact, according to preliminary data released by the N.C. Department of Commerce and Visit North Carolina.

The results are part of the annual Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study, prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics. Statewide, visitor spending increased in 59 counties in 2025, reaching a record $37.2 billion.

2025 Tourism Economic Impact Results for Chatham County: Chatham County’s 8.9% increase in visitor spending was one of the strongest gains in North Carolina, behind Cherokee (+13.9%), Macon (+11.1%) and Richmond (+9.7%). The statewide increase in visitor spending was 1.3%.

The results highlight the continued economic importance of tourism to Chatham County and the impact of efforts to promote the county as a destination for leisure travelers, business visitors, meetings and social gatherings, sporting events and other group activities.

“Chatham County has a remarkable story to tell, and the continued growth in visitor spending demonstrates that our destination marketing efforts are reaching travelers and encouraging them to experience all that our county has to offer,” said Chatham County Manager Bryan Thompson. “This success belongs to the many businesses, communities and partners who make Chatham County a destination worth visiting. Our Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau team remains committed to strategically marketing Chatham County, supporting tourism, film and sports development, and creating opportunities that bring visitor dollars to local businesses and communities.”

For more than two decades, the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has strategically promoted Chatham County through tourism, and film and sports development. The CVB has received more than 21 awards and accolades over the past two decades, recognizing its marketing and destination development efforts.

“We are delighted to see a consistent increase in economic impact over the past five years, particularly in the post-pandemic period, as our county’s many assets continue to provide worthwhile and memorable experiences for our guests,” said Neha Shah, CVB Director. “Our visitor profile has remained consistent, and we continue to focus on all the aspects of Chatham County that give travelers a reason to visit for the first time while also inspiring return trips. We enjoy creating itineraries for every kind of traveler and are fortunate to offer so many opportunities for exploration across nature, food and drink, wellness, agriculture, sports, culture, and more. Whether guests are traveling for business or leisure, staying for the day or overnight, we keep their needs and interests front of mind, offering experiences that appeal to a wide range of ages and budgets.”

The CVB promotes Chatham County through its destination website, blogs, newsletters, social media, public relations and media outreach, along with award-winning marketing campaigns showcasing the county’s communities, attractions, visitor businesses, and experiences.

The CVB also supports sports tourism through the Chatham Sports Alliance, helping attract sporting events and participants who contribute to the local economy through lodging, dining, shopping and other visitor expenditures.

The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study provides preliminary estimates of domestic and international traveler expenditures, as well as employment, payroll income, and state and local tax revenues directly generated by those expenditures.

The statistical model is based on highly detailed North Carolina data provided by Visit North Carolina, as well as data derived from federal and state government sources, nationally known private and nonprofit travel organizations, and other travel industry sources.

For more information about visiting Chatham County, residents and visitors may visit VisitChathamCounty.com. The CVB also maintains destination-related domains including VisitChathamCountyNC.com, VisitGoldston.com, VisitSilerCity.com and VisitPittsboro.com, which direct visitors to the county’s primary destination website.

For information about sports tourism, visit ChathamSportsAlliance.com.