Big events returning to Raleigh, but the workforce is still falling behind

Conventions are making a comeback in Raleigh.

Large crowds from across the country attended GalaxyCon Sunday.

Visitors are returning.

Tens of thousands at Raleigh's Convention Center.

Loren Gold with Visit Raleigh said hotel guests are checking back in, in Wake County.

“The economic metrics are there," said Gold. “Occupancy is at 65 percent, up from 52 percent. So, about a 25 percent increase.”

That means hotels can charge more.

Across Wake County, the average daily rate is at 114 dollars, up from 87 dollars.

Restaurants are making serious gains as well, up more than 31 percent in the fiscal year that ended in June.

Leisure travel, particularly for big events, are big draws to our area.

“Bluegrass, what J. Cole has done with Dreamville, Farm Aid is coming now, Brewgaloo,” said Gold.

But business travel continues to lag and the service industry is still short on workers.

“We lost a lot of headcount and a lot of jobs and a lot of long time employees during covid,” said Gold.

Still, the rebound here is beating projections.

That is clear when you look at all the characters in Raleigh Sunday.