The travel and tourism economy in North Dakota surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to a report by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The state saw an increase of 1.3 million visitors, reaching a total of 25.6 million, who spent over $3.3 billion on lodging, food, retail, recreation, and transportation.
Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman confirmed 2023 as the most visited year to date, highlighting the significant growth potential for the state’s young tourism economy. Key findings include a 5.3% increase in visitation, with day trips outperforming overnight stays. Cass County led in visitor spending, nearly doubling that of Burleigh County. Despite pandemic impacts, visitor spending grew by 8.8%, contributing over $307 million in local and state taxes and saving North Dakotans $960 per household.
However, employment in the hospitality sector remains below 2019 levels, and Canadian visitation has only reached 80% of pre-pandemic numbers. Through the first five months of 2024, there has been a 1.1% increase in trips, and North Dakota has outperformed the U.S. in hotel occupancy and revenue growth. The state also noted a 48% increase in traffic to NDtourism.com.
Otte Coleman emphasized the synergy between tourism and workforce recruitment, noting that nearly 80% of new residents visit before moving to the state. The North Dakota Department of Commerce has partnered with Tourism Economics since 2015 to monitor and assess the economic impact of tourism.
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