By Margaret Young
intern@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Over the past several years, Rowan County has been experiencing growth in an economic sector many take for granted in a small town: hospitality.

Since 2015, three new hotels have been built in Salisbury to accommodate the growing industry in Rowan County. The newest of the three, Home2 Suites by Hilton, is still under construction on Jake Alexander Boulevard, between the Econo Lodge and the I-85 on-ramp.

Additionally, Comfort Suites, located in the Towne Creek Commons shopping center, recently sold for $6 million.

This rise in number of hotels and value of hotels throughout the Salisbury area represents the growth of the sector in the local economy.

According to James Meacham, CEO of the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority, the county has experienced 33 straight months of hotel revenue growth. Revenue from hotels is already up 15 percent since 2017 in the 2018 year.

“We continue to see record growth each year,” Meacham said.

Meacham is not exaggerating. Every year since 2009, Rowan County has experienced growth in the hotel industry. Meacham said that this is due in part to increases in both leisure and business travel.

Meacham cited events such as the Little League Eastern Regional World Series Tournament, A Day Out With Thomas and Polar Express as activities that draw people to Rowan County. He also said attractions like Dan Nicholas Park and Lazy 5 Ranch add to the growth.

“We’re still waiting for the busy season of the Little League World Series and Polar Express,” Meacham said. “These two events are expected to sell 1,600 hotel rooms.”

Beyond hospitality, tourism is an important part of the Rowan County economy. In 2016, tourism infused over $166 million dollars in spending into Rowan County, employed 1,400 people and resulted in a tax savings of $102 per resident.

The new hotel, Home2 Suites, is expected to be completed by the late first quarter of 2019. Once completed, the hotel will add an estimated 100 hotel rooms to Rowan County.

“We are pleased to see healthy and sustained growth in Rowan County’s tourism economy,” Meacham said. “Growth in tourism is beneficial for the entire Rowan County economy.”

Contact intern Margaret Young at 704-797-4249.

 

Area hotels:

 

Comfort Suites

1040 E Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144

78 rooms

Built in 2000

$119 average room

Courtyard Marriott

120 Marriott Circle, Salisbury, NC 28144

94 rooms

Built in 2012

$149 average room

Days Inn

321 Bendix Dr, Salisbury, NC 28146

63 rooms

Built in 1988

$63 average room

Econo Lodge

1328 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146

87 rooms

Built in 1972

$57 average room

Economy Inn

319 Bendix Dr, Salisbury, NC

35 rooms

built in 1960

$55 average room

Hampton Inn

1001 Klumac Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144

119 rooms

Built in 1990

$135 average room

Happy Traveler Inn

1420 E Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28146

rooms- n/a

built in 1963

average room- n/a

Holiday Inn Express

125 Marriott Circle, Salisbury, NC 28144

90 rooms

built in 2016

$120 average room

Quality Inn

825 Klumac Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144

54 rooms

Built in 1998

$89 average room

Super 8 

925 Bendix Dr, Salisbury, NC 28146

54 rooms

Built in 1999

$68 average room