visitor spending rose to $17B

Visitors to North Carolina spent a record 17 billion U.S. dollars in 2010, as of 2011, that is an increase of 9 percent in 2009.

State tax revenue from visitor spending jumped 12.6 percent the last year before during the 2009.

"North Carolina treasures of natural and cultural heritage and bring dollars to the people of our state," Gov. Beverly Perdue said at the meeting in Asheville. "This is a growing part of our economy."

Nearly 37 million people visited North Carolina last year, up 2.5 percent from 2009, making the state the sixth most visited among the 50 states. State tax revenues totaling more than $ 947 million and local tax revenue was 546 million dollars as a direct result of visitor spending, the bureau said Perdue and North Carolina Department of Commerce.

81-67 win over rival Duke

North Carolina will go directly to ACC regular season championship and take the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament next week in Greensboro. The Tar Heels could be even in the argument of No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, while the Blue Devils are also in the mix.

Star Game: North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall, who led the Blue Devils the ball before they were ready to handle it. Marshall had 12 points and five assists by halftime and finished with 15 and 11.

Turning point: Down 19-18, Carolina had a 16-4 run to take a lead in double digits. Heels never led by fewer than five points.

Who fought: Duke forward Kyle Singler. Preseason National Player of the Year a number of steps was another cruel game shooting the ball. Singler finished eight points on 3-of-14 shots and missed all five of his 3-point attempts.

Quote of the night, Roy Williams for fans stormed the court: "Clear the court so that we can celebrate we cut the nets of these" Flippin .. "