Tourism generated a record $901.4 million in visitor spending across Moore County during 2025, according to newly released economic-impact figures.
The total represents a 4.9% increase from the previous year and keeps Moore County ranked as North Carolina’s tenth-largest tourism economy.
Tourism Supports More Than 6,500 Local Jobs
The tourism industry supported more than 6,500 jobs in Moore County during 2025, an increase of 2.8% from the previous year.
Visitor spending also generated approximately $30.1 million in local tax revenue, an increase of 7.1%. State tax revenue connected to tourism in Moore County reached $34.2 million.
The study estimates that tourism-related revenue saved each Moore County resident approximately $578.68 in taxes. That was significantly higher than the statewide per-person average.
Where Visitors Spent Their Money
Food and beverage businesses received the largest portion of local visitor spending, followed by lodging and transportation.
- Food and beverage: $269.1 million
- Lodging: $228 million
- Transportation: $191.7 million
- Recreation: $133.9 million
- Retail: $78.2 million
Retail experienced the largest percentage increase, rising 9.1% from the previous year. Lodging spending increased 7.1%, while recreation spending grew 5.9%.
Moore County Could Reach $1 Billion Before 2030
Tourism officials believe Moore County could surpass $1 billion in annual visitor spending before the end of the decade. Additional lodging developments and the anticipated return of commercial air service could contribute to future growth.
Statewide, visitors spent a record $37.2 billion in North Carolina during 2025. Tourism directly supported nearly 231,000 jobs across the state.
The annual county-level study was commissioned by Visit North Carolina and prepared by Tourism Economics.
Source: Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen; Visit North Carolina; and Sandhills Sentinel.
