CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Carteret County was recognized for setting a new record when it comes to tourism spending in 2023.

A new study by VisitNC.org showed an increase in tourism spending throughout different counties in North Carolina. One of those being Carteret County.

“It was like every single day no matter the day of the week, always super busy,” said Gabrielle Abraham, employee at Reeds Coffee Shop.

Gabrielle has worked at Reeds in Morehead City close to a year, and when she heard about the new record of tourism spending it came as no shock.

“I think because of COVID,” said Abraham. “It caused people to try and find places that are less populated and open air. Obviously, if you want to get away from people they go to the beach or to an open area.”

More than $732 million was spent in Carteret County in 2023, which is a 5.3% increase from 2022. As tourism became popular last year, Ashley Strother’s business as a boutique felt the benefits.

“We definitely see a high foot traffic,” said Strother, owner of Gigi’s and Co. “It gets our name out there of who we are and what we do here in town.”

Strother says besides the shopping and downtown area, the beauty and relaxed atmosphere brings tourists to ENC.

“It’s comfortable,” said Strother. “It’s a place you can actually vacation. You don’t come here to do the hustle bustle. You come here to enjoy what we have to offer and we have beautiful landscape to offer.”

Higher tourism spending helped residents in the area as well, according to the study. Households here in North Carolina save $518 on average from tourists.

Officials estimate that the state had 43 million visitors in 2023.