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RECAP: “MEET THE ATTRACTIONS” BREAKFAST
Our first ever “Meet the Attractions” event was a success with over a dozen Wilmington attractions in attendance. Additionally, attendees enjoyed hearing updates from Mayfaire (MORE new stores opening and Santa will at the Element Hotel). FEAST Wilmington (tickets are available now; contact [email protected] to “package” an overnight stay with tickets for FEAST Wilmington. Moores Creek will celebrate the first battle won by the Patriots in the Revolutionary War during its First in Freedom Festival.
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Thank you to all of the attractions who took the time to share information about their venues!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
November 19: Networking event at Flying Machine Brewery – Complimentary snacks, cash bar, games, networking an introduction of custom-labeled “First in Freedom” can!
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December 17: HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT THE WILSON THEATER. Live Holiday entertainment and Raffles to benefit “A Safe Place”. We will provide a list of requested items from A Safe Place; donations of those items will be exchanged for raffle tickets and a chance to win one of four Raffle Baskets! Kindly contact Savannah Edwards at [email protected] with donations of Gift Cards (attractions/restaurants), wine and Overnight Stays (hotels, etc.) and other items for the raffle baskets.
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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: Barbi Baker, Museum Manager of the NEW Cape Fear Museum will present at out luncheon at The Ella in Downtown Wilmington. This "master class" museum will drive a new and increased visitor market to downtown Wilmington.
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March 18: Networking event TBD
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April 15: Dr. Mouhine Guetabbl, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at UNCW will discuss the Hospitality Industry, especially as it relates to employees and other ongoing issues facing the industry
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WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB
For those who missed the annual marketing plan presentation, please see https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/pow2025/ The new Tourism Master Plan research and findings were instrumental in developing the 2025/2026 Plan of Work which contains information including a recap of 2024/2025 to date, a budget overview, research and the marketing/advertising plan which includes targeted markets (including out of state.) NEW emphasis on our shoulder season is already in the works. “Holiday Packages” offered to prospective travelers will drive additional visitor traffic to enjoy the many holiday events, activities and shopping opportunities in Wilmington during the holiday season. Paid advertising will support this seasonal outreach.
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As always, journalist interest in Wilmington has been strong; major media outlets including People and Vogue touted Wilmington as the destination in the hit series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty”. Recently, a UK publication, JRNY America featured an article on the anniversary of David Lynch’s making of the movie Blue Velvet and included places in Wilmington featured in the movie. The article even included “how to get to Wilmington” from the UK by noting that there were flights arriving at ILM from many major cities on the East Coast, the latter enjoying regular international flight arrivals from all over the world.
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The same writer, James Draven, wrote an extensive article in the the SUN, a widely distributed newspaper (print and digital), about the numerous horror films made in Wilmington over the years. This article is sure to drive interest from Brits wanting to see the settings where the movies have been made for themselves.
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WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Jeff Bourk, GM of ILM, previously shared, (at a WAHA meeting,), that “leisure passenger arrivals” are increasing at ILM. “This year, from Jan-June there have been 808,205 total passengers that have flow in/out of ILM with 407,952 deplaning and getting off”. These numbers are reflective of an increase in the number of new flights as well as increased leisure visitor arrivals. See map
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VISIT NC
We enjoyed a presentation by Marlise Taylor, Director of Tourism Research for Visit NC at our October Luncheon. Thanks again to Bluewater Waterfront Grill for sponsoring this meeting. The presentation was very informative; what was particularly enlightening is that although Wilmington is “Number 5” in the U.S. for the number of visitor arrivals, their allocated tourism budget is “Number 35” in the U.S. There’s no doubt that their “research-based” approach to destination marketing is successful! For those who were not able to attend, please see the presentation here.
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Visit NC is offering an opportunity to tune into their quarterly update on November 13 by registering here.
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THE STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
There is obvious concern that the government shutdown continues to impact tourism negatively. The United States Travel Association continues to record business loss and advocate for reopening, meeting regularly with government officials. Our area is less impacted that some; as Dr Guetabbi noted in a recent presentation; for example, we have less exposure because of little to no federal workers. Nevertheless, if it affects the overall economy, it will trickle down everywhere.
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Conversely, Brand USA recently held “Travel Week” in London; Visit NC and other destination representatives from around the US attended; the general consensus was that there was an increased level of interest and excitement for America 250, the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and FIFA World Cup 2026 that will drive international visitor arrivals. Additionally, their "America the Beautiful" theme is focused on driving visitors to more than the major destinations in the U.S.
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In general, the travel trends have continued along the same path in which they have been heading, whether it’s visitors’ decision-making influenced by the “experiences” they can enjoy in a destination, the desire for “personalization” in both making reservations and being in a destination, the increase of interest in the culinary offerings or opportunities to enjoy an “active outdoor experience”. Domestic travel dominates, with 73% of travelers making a decision to travel domestically, with “beach travel” remaining high on the list of planned travel.
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