The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports has come together with leaders of the community to brainstorm ways to market the state to tourists.

They held a marketing meeting at the Museum of History to highlight aspects of the state and ways to be successful during this economic downturn.

Last year, visitors spent $16.9 billion in the state and brought in more than $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Lynn Minges with the North Carolina Department of Commerce said that more people are staying local for their vacations and are visiting museums and parks.

Minges said there are some downfalls this year because of the economy.

"Tourism like most everything is feeling the impact. Hotels would tell you that they are selling less rooms and sell those rooms at a discount. We do see that and it's a bit troubling but we know it will rebound," Minges said.

Minges adds that the number of people taking flights was also on a decline until August when they saw a slight increase.