Gov. Pat McCrory announced Monday that the positive results of a study measuring the statewide impact of the unprecedented back-to-back 2014 U.S. Open and U. S. Women’s Open Championships conducted by the United States Golf Association at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina during the month of June, 2014. The report highlights include total estimated spending from visitors and the set-up and operations of the championship to be in excess of $140 million during the two-week celebration, with a total economic impact based on direct, indirect and induced outputs of more than $238 million.
There is no county-by-county breakdown on the golf tournament and Bladen County most likely felt little if any impact from the tournament.
However, tourism is big business in Bladen County. The latest statistics available are for 2013.
Domestic tourism in Bladen County generated an economic impact of $36.42 million in 2013. This was a 2.01% change from 2012.
In 2013, Bladen County ranked 67 in travel impact among North Carolina’s 100 counties.
More than 190 jobs in Bladen County were directly attributable to travel and tourism.
Travel generated a $3.73 million payroll in 2013.
State and local tax revenues from travel to Bladen County amounted to $3.15 million. This represents a $89.44 tax saving to each county resident.
Area attractions include Jones Lake and Singletary Lake State Parks, Bladen Lakes Educational State Forest and White Lake, all of which provide ample opportunities for swimming, boating, camping, hiking, fishing and golf.
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