CRVA Reports Record-Breaking $1.2 Billion Economic Impact in Fiscal Year 2025
December 10, 2025
New highs in leisure travel, sports events and convention activity fueled CRVA’s strongest economic performance to date.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte’s visitor economy reached new heights in fiscal year 2025 as the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) generated $1.2 billion in total economic impact across its venues, events and marketing platforms. The results reflect the rising strength of Charlotte’s position as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings and conventions and sports and entertainment.
“Tourism continues to be one of Charlotte’s most powerful economic engines, supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and fueling tax revenue that benefits residents across our community,” said Steve Bagwell, CEO of the CRVA. “This year’s results show the momentum behind Charlotte’s visitor economy and the value the CRVA delivers in the region. We remain focused on driving long-term economic growth while elevating Charlotte as a top destination for visitors and events.”
FY25 by the numbers
- $1.2 billion total economic impact
- 473,000 room nights booked through leisure marketing
- 119,786 hotel room bookings generated by events at the Charlotte Convention Center
- 202,160 visitors to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
- 1 in 3 BOplex visitors traveled more than 100 miles
- 33 million total visitors to Charlotte
- $9.1 billion in annual direct visitor spending
- 1 in 9 Charlotte residents employed in leisure and hospitality
Economic breakdown
- Leisure marketing: $640.2 million
- Conventions and meetings: $102.9 million, including $87.6 million in impact from the Charlotte Convention Center
- Sports events: $333.5 million
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: $68.3 million
- Bojangles Entertainment Complex: $60.8 million
Why it matters
Tourism strengthens the region’s economy in ways residents experience every day. Visitor spending helps fund essential city services, supports small businesses, offsets the cost of public amenities and boosts the vibrancy of neighborhoods across Charlotte. It also saves each household an estimated $356 a year through taxes generated by visitor spending. Strong hotel performance increases hospitality tax revenue that supports infrastructure, venues and public spaces residents enjoy.
As Charlotte’s visitor economy grows, so does its ability to attract investment, fuel workforce opportunity and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
Leisure marketing drives more than half of overall impact
Leisure travel remained the CRVA’s largest economic driver, producing $640.2 million in impact. Expanded advertising efforts, strong weekend visitation and growing appeal among regional travelers led to 473,000 room nights booked through leisure marketing. This segment accounted for more than half of the CRVA’s total economic impact.
Sports events strengthen Charlotte’s regional and national profile
Charlotte’s sports calendar delivered one of its strongest years on record with $333.5 million in impact generated by amateur, collegiate and professional events. Strategic events like the PGA Championship, Savannah Bananas Banana Ball World Tour and ACC Football Championship Game elevate Charlotte’s national visibility, while distributed sports activity across the region generated hotel demand and visitor spending.
Conventions and meetings fuel citywide activity
Meetings and conventions contributed $102.9 million in FY25, with the Charlotte Convention Center generating $87.6 million of that total. National associations, corporate groups and competitive events continued to choose Charlotte for its central location, growing hotel supply and modernized convention facility.
NASCAR Hall of Fame draws visitors from across the country
The NASCAR Hall of Fame welcomed 202,160 visitors and generated $68.3 million in economic impact. Nearly all visitors traveled significant distances to experience the Hall’s interactive exhibits and storied motorsports history, reinforcing its position as one of Charlotte’s signature attractions.
BOplex delivers historic year with record events and revenue
The Bojangles Entertainment Complex produced $60.8 million in economic impact behind a strong lineup of concerts, family shows and Charlotte Checkers home games. One in three visitors traveled from more than 100 miles, underscoring its regional reach and continued growth.
City-owned venues deliver strong public return
As operator of major city-owned venues, the CRVA ensures these public assets remain competitive, efficient and economically productive. In FY25, the Charlotte Convention Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex and NASCAR Hall of Fame generated more than $216 million in combined impact, demonstrating the value of continued reinvestment in the venues that help drive Charlotte’s visitor economy.
Organizational performance and accountability
In FY25, the CRVA achieved all 20 Balanced Scorecard goals for only the second time in its history, demonstrating disciplined execution, operational efficiency and a strong commitment to accountability throughout the organization. These performance results reinforce the CRVA’s role as a trusted steward of Charlotte’s visitor economy.
FY25 CRVA Impact Report
The CRVA has released its FY25 Impact Report, which details the organization’s accomplishments and the economic benefits realized between July 1 and June 30. The report highlights the collective impact of the CRVA’s venues, events, marketing initiatives and partnerships.
“As you explore this report, you’ll see the collaboration and innovation that continue to move Charlotte forward,” Bagwell said. “Through our venues, strategic marketing and commitment to service, we remain dedicated to elevating Charlotte as a welcoming destination for visitors, events and experiences.”
The full report is available here: FY25 CRVA Impact Report.
Tourism continues to strengthen Charlotte’s tax base, support local jobs and fuel growth for businesses across the community. The CRVA remains committed to delivering long-term value and ensuring Charlotte thrives as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
About CRVA
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) delivers memorable experiences that enrich the lives of visitors and residents alike. As the leader in destination development, marketing and venue management, the CRVA maximizes Charlotte’s economic potential through visitor spending, fostering job creation and driving community opportunities.
Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Film Commission, Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand and Visitor Info Centers. For more information, visit crva.com.
Media contact
Gina Sheridan
Chief Communications & Advocacy Officer
(704) 618-3215
gina.sheridan@crva.com