CHARLOTTE — A new report from hotels.com confirms Charlotte as one of the cheapest and most popular destinations in the country.
Ryan Self, a sales manager for Charlotte-based Olde Mecklenburg, had a big year with his business.
The company had a big expansion, and they were also named best brewery tour by USA Today.
“We’ve always had a pretty strong presence on the weekends from out-of-town folks. Of course being named best brewery tour in the country didn’t change that,” said Self.
But the new report from hotels.com said it can expect more business.
The study ranks Charlotte the 24th most popular domestic travel spot booked through their sit, higher than Myrtle Beach or Charleston.
The rate at which hotel rooms fill up was up more than four percent last year, and Mecklenburg County brought in more than $4.6 billion dollars in tourism revenue.
“Compared to a lot of other cities, I think we’re very competitive price-wise,” said Sid Smith, president of the Charlotte Area Hotel Association.
Smith said that is opening up more business as the economy recovers and Charlotte adds more attractions.
“We’re creating a district for conventions and meetings, and a district for entertainment and leisure, and people love it,” said Smith.
That’s drawing more events like the International Champions Cup last August.
Smith said he is hoping for a “big-box” hotel in or immediately around Uptown with 600-700 rooms.
According to the Commerce Department, North Carolina is still more a destination to visit relatives, not the sites.
Although there is still possibility for growth in the current market.
The hotels.com study said Americans are traveling more, that’s keeping prices down at hotels, and driving up demand.
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