This content first appeared in Economy & Business 2026. Click here to view the full publication.

By Dennis Edwards, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh)

Wake County’s travel and tourism industry achieved record-breaking visitation levels and set records for visitor spending and tax generation in 2024. Tourism tax collections generated a record $88.97 million in fiscal year 2024-2025. As a result, implementation of key priorities in the Wake County Destination
Strategic Plan 2028 is underway. Enhancements at Lenovo Center, moving the outdoor Red Hat Amphitheater, expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center and development of a 600-room Omni Hotel adjacent to the convention are all moving forward or already under construction.

Though Wake County added only one hotel with 110 rooms to the market’s supply in 2025, numerous additional hotel projects are under construction across the county. Nine new hotels with more than 1,000 rooms are expected to open in 2026, including The Oberlin Raleigh and Hotel Indigo, at the site of the
former Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown.

We continue to experience high demand in both conventions and sporting events, including the return of The Soccer Tournament (TST) in Cary in 2026, esports competitions like USA Baseball’s WBSC eBaseball™ Series in November, VisitRaleigh.com Showcase Series in November and December and three NCAA
events in 2026:

• NCAA Division II College Baseball World Series – May/June
• NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer College Cup – December
• NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer College Cup – December

In 2025, 14 Wake County restaurants were recognized in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide American South. Three restaurants received a Bib Gourmand designation, and 11 restaurants were selected as Recommended by MICHELIN. Alongside rising restaurant reservations, residents and visitors alike have flocked to
Dorothea Dix Park to experience the 18-acre Gipson Play Plaza and Thomas Dambo’s family of five larger-than-life trolls scattered across the park.

“From sports to restaurants to parks, Wake County’s tourism infrastructure and assets continue to position the region as a leading travel destination and hub for economic development and hospitality.”

– Dennis Edwards, President & CEO, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh)