Raleigh was a major factor in Wake County’s record year for tourism. | Photo by RALtoday
Visit Raleigh released the 2024 Wake County Tourism Industry Report last week, and Wake outperformed state + national averages with all key performance indicators showing improvement over 2023. Here are some of the top stats.
$41 million. That’s how much the hotel lodging tax collected in 2024, a 7.7% improvement over 2023. Prepared food and beverage taxes totaled $44.6 million, up 4% from 2023.
In 2024, Visit Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance hosted 425 events, tournaments, conferences and festivals + drew 665,000 attendees with just these events.
Wake County also sold 4.68 million hotel room nights, making for a 2.5% increase on the year. In comparison, the national average grew by just 0.5% since 2023.
Can’t keep track of Wake County’s upcoming events? Check out our top 25 events of 2025 for just a taste of what we’ve got to offer in the 919.
Tarot + Toast | 6-8 p.m. | Edge of Urge | Price of purchase | Taste a selection of complimentary wines and have your tarot read.
WakeMed Career Fair | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Raleigh Convention Center | Free | Explore career opportunities for every job path with one of the Triangle’s top employers.
Do you feel anxious in social situations? | Photo via iStock
Do you avoid social situations for fear of being judged? Or have difficulty talking to people you don’t know very well?
Magnolia Clinical Research is conducting a study to evaluate an investigational medication that could help. Qualified participants will receive financial compensation for time and transportation.
If social anxiety is a part of your life, please call 984-345-3010 or visit www.magnoliaclinical.com.
It sounds like Raleigh might get its third snow of this winter with one to three inches forecasted for tomorrow. What makes this snowfall different is that most is expected for during the day — not overnight — meaning potentially dangerous road conditions and power outages. Read the city’s top tips for staying safe. (CBS 17)
Open
Order up. Tucker Street Diner at Smoky Hollow is now open and promises comforting diner eats in an elevated environment. The diner is owned by the same folks behind the Shiny Diner near Crossroads — expect similarly tasty pancakes, sandwiches, and more.
History
The Durham Library will screen a newly restored version of “Negro Durham Marches On,” a 1948 film that stories Bull City’s Hayti, a historically Black retail + residential neighborhood, and now-gone Black Wall Street. The film will be screened as part of the library’s Black History Month programming and will be shown this Saturday, Feb. 22 — join the waitlist. (The News & Observer)
Ranked
The Umstead Hotel in Cary has cemented its spot as one of the top hotels in both NC and the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Umstead is the No. 1 hotel in NC and No. 73 in the US. Time to book that staycation?
Travel
Looking to experience the charm of Louisville this spring? You’re in luck. With Breeze Airways’ nonstop flights from RDU, you can immerse yourself in world-famous bourbon, thrilling horse racing, and a vibrant food scene. Fly affordably and comfortably with Breeze’s seriously nice service. Book your trip.*
Rave reviews continue to roll in for the new hyaluronic acid injectables from Synergy Face + Body. This quick treatment helps your skin plump + hydrate from within by retaining moisture for 6+ months. See the difference a single session can make.*
Wellness
Fight winter joint pain with NativePath Antarctic Krill Oil — it’s packed with omega-3s for mood and circulation boosting. For a limited time, get free shipping + a gift with purchase.*
The Buy
The Buy
This No. 1 best-selling exercise dress. Wear it for your afternoon walk, then add a cardigan for dinner and cocktails.
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