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- MEMBERSHIP DUES REMINDER
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- WILMINGTON AND BEACHES, A HOLIDAY DESTINATION
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- FIRST IN FREEDOM FESTIVAL
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FEBRUARY 19 LUNCHEON MEETING
Our February luncheon will be held downtown at Belle Vue and will feature a presentation by Jeff Bourk, General Manager of Wilmington International Airport regarding the many new flights and destinations available and upcoming at ILM. Avelo Airlines will be opening a "base operation" and many facility improvements are also ongoing.
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Kim Hufham, CEO and President of Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau will share the CVB's marketing strategy to drive visitors to Wilmington from the many new destinations served by the aforementioned flights. Make your Reservations now!
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MEMBERSHIP DUES REMINDER
Payment for the 2025 Membership in WAHA is due by February 28, 2025. Reminder: Luncheon fees will be $35 per person for members and $55 for non-members for all luncheons after February 28.
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A single membership fee of $150 is applicable to all members or employees in your organization and/or company. You can join here. If you were a member in 2024, you can renew here.
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OPEN POSITION
There is an open position for a Dual Property Director of Sales for Sleep Inn and MainStay Suites in Wilmington. For additional information or to apply, please contact the General Manager, Lawrence Caristo at [email protected]
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VISIT NC
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The 2025 Visit NC Tourism Conference will be held on April 6-8 at the Hickory Metro Convention
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Visit NC's Newslink provides information on upcoming webinars, events, PR highlights and more.
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You can subscribe to receive this complimentary newsletter here.
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WILMINGTON AND BEACHES, A HOLIDAY DESTINATION
There is much to see and enjoy during the holiday season in Wilmington, from Airlie Garden's "Enchanted Airlie" with a million lights to the NC Holiday Flotilla, Craft Fair and Tree Lighting at Wrightsville Beach to visits to holiday-themed events and decor at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, the Bellamy Museum and the Latimer House. Wilmington Water Tours offers a special "Spirit of the Holidays" tour on the Cape Fear River and both Carolina and Kure Beaches host Holiday events as well.
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Additionally, Downtown Wilmington became a much-visited holiday destination this year. Holiday lighting and a drone show (over the Cape Fear River) made downtown a "must-visit" during the holiday season. Holiday music accompanied a holiday-themed show that drew thousands of spectators.
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WDI hopes you have enjoyed the festive lights and the three holiday-themed drone shows and welcomes your feedback on the project. Contact them at [email protected]. Additionally, we encourage community members to share their thoughts on the new holiday light decorations with Wilmington City Council. If you have appreciated this year’s display, please email your comments to [email protected].
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FEAST WILMINGTON
The second annual FEAST Wilmington will be held March 24-30; In addition to being a perfect kick-off to spring, this event is becoming a catalyst for bringing "pre-season" visitors to Wilmington! This year, several hotels are offering special rates and discounted tickets to the event, making it even more appealing for out-of-towners to enjoy the event. FEAST Wilmington is the natural progression of a destination that continues to grow and excel in the variety and excellence of its food offerings. Be sure to sign up for updates to be able to share information with accommodation and attraction guests.
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FEAST is offering a 25% discount on tickets to the main events at the park going on now through 2/14 for Valentine's Day, and anyone who purchases a ticket during this time is also entered to win a 2-night stay at the Embassy Riverfront for Feast weekend!
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WILMINGTON CVB
It's that time of year again! Please make sure to VOTE for USA TODAY Readers' Choice for our Wilmington nominees. You can do this DAILY using the links below:
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NHCS C3 Career Exploration Event
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The New Hanover County Schools’ 3rd Annual C3 Career Exploration Event will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the CFCC Schwartz Center. Organizers have asked the CVB to reach out to tourism / hospitality businesses who may wish to participate.Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (lunch provided)
Location: CFCC Schwartz Center, 601 N Front St, WilmingtonWhy Participate?
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- Showcase your organization to NHC students interested in your industry.
- Build connections with the future workforce.
- Provide NHC students with career insights, potential internship opportunities, or educational advice.
More Information: Pre-registration is required. Please email [email protected] with questions or need more information.
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Second Chance Employer Engagement Session
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Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) will host a Second Chance Employer Engagement Coffee Hour on Friday, February 14, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in room 101A of the G Building on CFCC's downtown campus (411 N. Front Street, Wilmington). This event is open to any employer interested in becoming a second chance hiring champion. Attendance is free. Employers will gain valuable insights into the benefits of second chance. For more information and to complete the employer survey, visit cfcc.edu/continuing-education/pathway-home-2-grant/.
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FIRST IN FREEDOM FESTIVAL
The First in Freedom Festival is a regional celebration that will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America in 2026. Attractions and events being held to celebrate America 250 will be included on their website and all other outreach by contacting Steven Roberts at [email protected]. Many of the events will occur during the early part of 2026 (including the re-enactment of the first battle won by the Patriots at Moores Creek in Pender County. ) Signs promoting First in the Freedom will be posted at participating locations. Hotels can be included by offering special packages that highlight visits to events and historic sites in our area. Complimentary 8-1/2" by 11" signs (for hotels) promoting your participation will be available.
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TRENDING
The most common theme from webinars and podcasts regarding travel emphasizes the importance of "experiences." More than ever before, prospective travelers are searching destinations to find unique and immersive experiences. To that end, Wilmington is a destination that offers so many experiences, from surfing and paddleboarding on the beaches, to kayaking or touring on the Cape Fear River to immersive experiences at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, to visits to historic homes and a tour of the African-American history in Wilmington. A step back into WWII history is experienced by a visit to the Battleship NC and the historic Hannah Block USO building downtown.
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Accommodations can highlight the wealth of activities, tours and events in Wilmington to ensure that potential visitors get a sense of the "experiential" opportunities available.
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Business Travel is projected to increase this year as well.
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TOURISM MASTER PLAN
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Thanks to all who responded to surveys and discussion groups with Clarity of Place who are spearheading a Tourism Master Plan for the CVB! The unveiling of this master plan will be forthcoming in the near future.
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