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FOLLOW-UP ON RECENT LUNCHEON PRESENTATIONS:
Mouchine Guettabi, the Associate Professor of Economics and Regional Economist at the UNCW monitors the area’s economic indicators and produces economic impact analyses Wand forecasts which he did for the hospitality industry in our area. Those that did not about attend the spring luncheon can find his presentation attached HERE.
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Jeff Bourk, Director of Wilmington International Airport provided an overview of the growth off the airport as well as current and projected economic impact. Everyone is encouraged to visit their website at: www.flyilm.com to learn about the airlines serving ILM and current direct flights from the airport . One of the most impactful stats (for the hospitality industry) was that “leisure travelers” are at 65% of passengers arriving at ILM. For the latest on improvements occurring, visit https://flyilm.com/improvements/
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Recent Networking Event
Thanks for hosting our successful May networking event. The Element is the newest hotel in Mayfaire; it sits facing Military Cutoff, directly across from the Fresh Market in the lifestyle shopping center. The venue offers relaxing "social spaces” both indoors and outdoors.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
July 15, 2026: WAHA and Wilmington and Beaches CVB Networking Event at Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & VolleyBall Facility from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Complimentary Bites, Cash Bar. Bring a friend; nonmembers invited. Register HERE.
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August 19, 2026: WAHA luncheon hosted by Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Amanda Baker will provide the annual Visit NC update.
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September 16, 2026: We’re going to host a “repeat” of our “Attractions Breakfast” ALL attractions, tours and other visitor products will be provided with a complimentary breakfast and table to display information about their venue.
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October 21, 2026: Luncheon presentation by Allen Thomas, new President and CEO
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YOU’RE INVITED:
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Grand Opening Summer Soiree
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Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of Cape Fear Museum at 230 Grace Street!
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Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 6 to 9 pm
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A once-in-a-generation celebration as we open our new home in downtown Wilmington. Explore inspiring new galleries, connect with friends and supporters, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and experience firsthand the future of history, science, and storytelling in our community.
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• Signature cocktail and curated bites by Pine Valley Market
• Summer Cocktail Attire
• Complimentary Parking (212 North Second Street Parking Deck)
• Live Music: Harpist Julie Rehder
• Live Music: The Lark Quartet, featuring musicians of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra
• Live Music: The Stevenson-Stohl Suzuki Studio
• Planetarium Stargazing
• Flowers by Cape Fear Garden Club
• Interactive Photo Booth
• 21 and over event
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FEAST WILMINGTON 2027
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Don't miss out on "joining the party" in 2027!
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Feast Wilmington is excited to announce that the dates for Feast Fest 2027 will be March 20-21 at Live Oak Pavilion at Riverfront Park. Feast is seeking to partner with area hotels to offer special rates for attendees. If you are interested in having your property featured on the Feast website with a link to booking, please contact festival director Jessica Maurer at [email protected].
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WILMINGTON EVENTS
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According to the Tourism Institute, "Events have quietly become one of the most powerful engines of modern tourism." Wilmington accommodations, attractions, culinary offerings, tours and other products are fortunate to have major events occurring. These events can be the catalyst for greater visitor growth going forward. Both the Azalea Festival and FEAST Wilmington won awards in their categories in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.
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Live Nation continues to bring in entertainers that draw thousands to the Live Oak Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Sign up to see for their ongoing newsletters to learn “who’s performing” Subscribe for news at GREENFIELD PARK and LIVE OAK PAVILION to receive updates.
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Holidays on Water is drawing attention to Downtown Wilmington's festive lights and drone show. All of these events contribute greatly to driving additional visitors to our area.
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VISIT NC
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Last August, Marlise Taylor did a presentation at a WAHA luncheon sharing the expert research Visit NC applies to their decision-making for market outreach. Most recently at the annual global Travel
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And Tourism Research Association event, Marlise was given the MMGY Shifflet Award for Research Excellence for her leadership and strategic application of research during North Carolina’s tourism recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Her work helped guide statewide recovery marketing strategies, measure traveler sentiment and perceptions, and support tourism recovery efforts across impacted destinations. Congratulations Marlise!
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WILMINGTON CVB
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In 2025 and 2023 the C.W. Worth House B&B in Wilmington took the #1 spot in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll for Best Bed and Breakfast! That’s why we are excited to share that the award-winning bed-and-breakfast inn returns for a 4th consecutive year as a nominee in this year’s 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll for Best Bed and Breakfast.
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Daily votes are key to maintaining a high rank. We invite you to help get the word out about the contest and encourage colleagues, neighbors, friends, family, and social media fans to vote daily through August 3.
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Here’s the link for quick access and bookmark ease:
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LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE:
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The 2027 Official Wilmington & Beaches Area Guide is almost ready to go to print—and this is your final opportunity to be included.
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Backed by Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau’s year-round marketing efforts, the guide is a cornerstone of how the destination is promoted to millions of travelers. And this year’s guide is an all-new format, with high-quality paper, premium printing, inspirational long-form features and beautiful photography that set it apart from the rest. A luxurious publication designed to inspire dreams of travel, this is the one travel guide you can’t miss. With 85,000 printed copies, a mobile-friendly digital edition, and integration into Wilmington & Beaches’ broader campaigns, your business will be in front of the visitors who matter most.
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• New Hanover County visitors generate nearly $1.14 billion in travel spending
• Featured across visitor centers, hotels, attractions, and digital channels
• Supported by Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau’s ongoing destination marketing to ensure your message is seen
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UPDATED HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS AT CFCC
NEW this Fall: "Professional Development" certification program will be offered. This program will include (4) classes: "Leadership in Hospitality", "Cost Control", "Human Resources" and "Training and Hospitality." Industry businesses can offer to both experienced and new employees.
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Additional non-certified, continuing education hospitality programs will be offered at discounted rates.
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Contact [email protected] for additional details including how to utilize these new programs for the benefit of your hospitality business and employees.
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THE WORLD OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM
The news is out! America’s places and people are being enjoyed by global travelers arriving from all the world to enjoy the 2026 World Cup FIFA games. Stories about how amazed visitors are about those things we take for granted, including air conditioning and drink refills, permeate the news. Most recently an international visitor commented on his amazement that someone “offered him a ride” to his hotel.
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The Tartan Army from Scotland were celebrated in Boston, similar to international groups from all over the world, communicating how Americans lay our the welcome mat for visitors. In Europe, the Tartan Army is treated like an “invading horde” by local police who escort them to and from games. America greeted them and other people from all over the world with open arms.
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Concern about low hotel occupancy that fed into low visitation soon gave rise to the reality that game attendees were “finding their own accommodations” via Airbnbs (which are seeing a huge jump in occupancy), RV parks and other “alternate” accommodations. More recent games are also seeing increased hotel occupancy.
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We can expect this “good will” to reverberate for years, driving increases in interest and uptake of travel to America.
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