Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, told commissioners this evening that visitors spent a total $88.9 million in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
That money created $1.9 million in local sales tax dollars and $5.07 million state tax money, she said.
Medlin told commissioners the county ranks 43rd in tourist spending in the state. Following the meeting she said over the last fiscal year, the county ranked third in spending among counties along the Interstate 95 corridor.
Tourism is also making a stronger push to use social media through the #GetSocial effort, which allows visitors to comment and post photos via several popular social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. “Eighty percent of travel is now booked online,” she said. “GetSocial goes to all the social media platforms. It allows the public to post stories. It's been amazing.”
Pierce reads the proclamation to Beaver.
In another matter this evening, the board honored Taylor Beaver with proclamation recognizing her accomplishments in the sport of wakesurfing.
Board Chairman James Pierce presented the document to Beaver, the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Beaver of Roanoke Rapids. Roanoke Rapids City council honored Beaver earlier this month.
