Wilmington, N.C. – May 7, 2024: In recognition of tourism’s important role in our community, the New Hanover County Commissioners approved a Proclamation during their May 6 meeting that designates May 19-25, 2024 as National Travel & Tourism Week in New Hanover County.
Celebrated annually in May, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward. 2024 marks the 41st anniversary of NTTW with the theme “Travel Is Essential” to spotlight the essential role that travel plays in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.
To kick off National Travel and Tourism Week the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau [CVB] will host its annual Travel Rally Breakfast and Celebration on Tuesday, May 14 at the Wilmington Convention Center. During this year’s program, the CVB will introduce plans for the organization’s first-ever Tourism Destination Master Plan and outline how the interactive process and community engagement will help create a vision for the future that aligns tourism development opportunities and impacts with community needs, balancing destination growth and resident quality of life. Individual beach community plans will provide additional research to acutely identify opportunities and needs within each town.
“The CVB looks forward to kicking off National Travel and Tourism Week, along with our travel partners, as we celebrate our industry and salute the more than 6,676 tourism and hospitality employees who work in New Hanover County,” states Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “The Travel Rally Breakfast provides an opportunity to recognize the essential roles that each employee plays in making New Hanover County a popular and desirable travel destination. We are also excited to announce recipients of the 2024 Tourism Star and Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy awards.”
Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. Visit us online.
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOURISM FACTS WORTH CELEBRATING!
Visitor Spending infuses millions of new dollars into our local economy each year that helps to fund beach nourishment, the convention center, ocean rescue programs and more.
Economic Impact: In 2022, the economic impact of tourism was estimated at more than $1 billion ($1,059.42 million), which represents an increase of 13.9 percent over 2021. It also generated approximately $74.8 million in state and local tax receipts, representing a $317.76 tax saving to each county resident.
Jobs: The local travel industry provided more than 6,676 jobs in 2022 (up from 6,142 in 2021) and supported a payroll of $276.6 million.
Room Occupancy Tax: New Hanover County ROT collections during calendar year 2023 exceeded $23 million, setting a new benchmark.
Contact:
Connie Nelson
Communications/Public Relations Director
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690
cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
