Visit Winston-Salem is celebrating its biggest year yet. Hotel revenue is soaring—up 11 percent—and website traffic is on pace to hit an impressive 2 million visits. Even more exciting? According to data from Visit NC, tourism surpassed $1 billion in Forsyth County for the first time in 2023. That’s not just a milestone—it’s a major win for our local economy and community. 

A bold, new advertising campaign is inspiring regional travelers to explore our city’s history, culture, arts, outdoor adventures and incredible food scenes. When tourism thrives, our community benefits. You might not think about it every day, but tourism is all around us—from families snapping selfies at the Old Salem Heritage Bridge, art aficionados exploring the Arts District, friends raising a glass at a local brewery, to couples enjoying dinner under the stars downtown. 

These moments add up—and they’re powering our city forward. The best part? You play a big role in making all of that happen. Winston-Salem’s reputation for being genuine, easy-going, and resilient starts with our residents. It’s the friendly smiles, the helpful directions, the extra dose of hospitality that leave a lasting impression. Visitors don’t just remember what they saw, they remember how they were treated. Your smile goes a long way. So, keep being you because that local warmth helps attract visitors to our award-winning city. 

Winston-Salem was recently named one of Southern Living’s “Top 25 Places to Visit in the South for 2025,” and Forbes called our downtown one of the best in the country. The secret’s out, and people are taking notice. 

Want to keep the momentum going? Stay curious. Try something new. Be a tourist in your own hometown. Catch the Andrew Wyeth exhibit at Reynolda House Museum of American Art before it closes May 25. 

Bring the kids—or just your inner child—to Kaleideum, where playful exhibits and the Kaleideum After Dark series make learning fun for all ages. And of course, downtown is always a vibe with more than 100 galleries, restaurants, bars, and breweries waiting to be explored. Tourism works, and it works because of you. 

Looking for ways to support local businesses? Check out Things to Do for inspiration, Food and Drink for new restaurant options you haven’t tried and our Events Calendar to see what’s happening.