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RECAP AUGUST 20 LUNCHEON AT TRAILBORN SURF AND SOUND
Our August 20 Luncheon at Trailborn Surf and Sound featured a presentation by Kim Hufham, President and CEO of Wilmington and Beaches CVB. Members saw and heard pertinent information regarding the Tourism Master Plan. Some key points included the hiring of a Community Relations Manager who will communicate the benefits of Wilmington being a visitor destination to the larger community and emphasis on the positioning of Wilmignton as a “year ‘round destination which will include a targeted approach that takes into account the demographics of those who travel in our “shoulder season” and what activities they prefer. Kim also shared information regarding plans for new hotels in our market. The annual Marketing plan will be presented at the Wilmington and Beaches CVB Annual Meeting on September 16. Be sure to reserve a spot! Respond via Google Form or contact Kim Little at [email protected] to confirm your attendance.
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SEPTEMBER 24 “MEET THE ATTRACTIONS” BREAKFAST
We’re pleased to announce our first ever “Meet the Attractions” Breakfast which will take place on September 24 at the Country Club of Landfall. This event came about when several hotel members noted that they would like to be more knowledgeable about attractions in the area so they could better inform their guests. Thanks to all of the attractions who have “signed up” to be present and share information. Additionally, during breakfast, several guests will inform us of their venues and upcoming events for 2026! Reservations can be made HERE.
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HOTEL NEWS
New Hotels in 2025: Element Wilmington opened recently in Mayfaire; Hotel Lela Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Tru by Hilton Wilmington opened earlier this year.
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Remodeled Hotels in 2025: The Beach Hotel and Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront in Carolina Beach as well as Doubletree by Hilton on Market Street in Wilmington and Trailborn Surf and Sound.
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Future Hotels: Drury Hotel – Convention District (200 Rooms); Ideal Hospitality Dual Brand – Convention District (350 Rooms); Crowne Plaza Hotel – Wilmington International Airport (150 Rooms); Westin Hotel – Mayfaire Area (200 Rooms); Harmony Hospitality – Carolina Beach (150-175 Rooms)
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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October 15: Wit Tutell, Executive Director of Visit NC, will be the featured speaker at our October 15 luncheon at Bluewater Waterfront Grill on Wrightsville Beach.
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November 19: Networking event at Flying Machine Brewery – Games, networking an introduction of custom-labeled “First in Freedom” can!
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December 17: HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: Entertainment and Raffle to benefit the “Safe House”. We will provide requested items from the Safe House; donations of those items in exchange for raffle tickets and a chance to win a Raffle Basket!
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January 21: WELCOME NEW YEAR networking event at Paloma’s at Lela. Enjoy complimentary appetizers (cash bar) and playing on their Golf Simulator.
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February 18: Introduction to NEW Cape Fear Museum of History and Science.
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WILMINGTON AWARDS
Lots of awards for Wilmington’s hospitality industry partners!
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C.W.Worth House Bed and Breakfast: Voted USA Today’s #1 Best Bed and Breakfast. Congratulations Jeff and Jennifer Mason
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Gustu Peruano: 2025 NC Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef of the Year and People’s Choice Award for Best Savory Dish at the NCRLA Chef Showdown.
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Natalie Takas (End of Days Distillery): Undeniably Dairy Award for Best Cocktail, Undeniably Dairy Award for Best Mocktail, People’s Choice Award for Best Cocktail and People’s Choice Award for Best Mocktail
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Lumina a Wrightsville Beach: Best of Wilmington and Diners Choice award for on-site restaurant Solstice by Wilmington Magazine
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VISIT NC
A Special Edition of Visit NC’s Newslink announced 2024’s Record Tourism Growth. Visitor Spending increased for 71 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, contributing to a statewide record total of $36.7 billion in visitor spending. The year also saw increases in tourism employment. New Hanover revenue was $1.1 billion, up 1.6% YOY.
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Prime Video has released the first trailer for the NC-filmed “The Runarounds”, filmed in the Wilmington region during the last quarter of 2024. It is slated to premier this month.
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THE STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
Overall, according to ongoing surveys by trusted industry companies, the desire to travel remains strong, despite a certain level of economic concern.
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Our area benefits from the rise in domestic travel that accompanied the decline in international travel. While destinations like Las Vegas and other hotspots for Canadian visitors see declines, our area remains unaffected by those kinds of headwinds.
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The national travel industry is focused on “preparation” for America 250 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2028 Olympics, believing that these events will drive both international inbound and domestic travel. Brand USA, the country’s “marketing arm”, is leading with America the Beautiful and the Great American Road Trip. Both are geared to literally “drive” visitors to more than just the major destinations across the U.S. Watch America the Beautiful here.
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Conversely, in reviewing articles and listening to podcasts, Wilmington is well-positioned to continue to draw an even greater volume of visitors due to the extraordinary features that are appealing to the traveling market: Pristine beaches and other outdoor areas for biking, running and water sports, a culinary offering that spans every kind of food choice imaginable, a vibrant arts community, a walkable downtown with unique shops, events, breweries, historic tours, buildings and more.
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AMERICA 250
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