|
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
|
- Luncheon Reservations/Sponsorship
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW YEAR, NEW PLANS
As announced in our previous newsletter, WAHA's goal for 2023 (and beyond) is twofold:
|
- Develop a closer working relationship with the UNCW and CFCC communities for the benefit of our membership . To date, Ellie Craig of Front Street Brewery has been involved in the successful launch of a semester-long program to train and employ "line cooks" . They receive basic skill training at CFCC, followed by (paid) internships at select restaurants with the potential of full-time employment. We will be pursuing other workforce development projects pertaining to the hosptiatlty industry with CFCC as well.
- We will be seeking additional ways to interact with tudents in hospitality industry related students at UNCW; including offering special student luncheon rats for WAHA meetings and potentially hosting a networking event with students at UNCW. (See below for summer internship opportunities).
- We continue to work on impleementing "destination product", e.g., themed packages that are priced to sell to Receptive Operators who, in turn, provide to tour operators in countries all over the globe. As we saw in the presentation by Jennifer Ackerson of Alon Tourism Solutions, Receptive Operators need commissionable rates and product details in order to market destination product globally.) Please let us know if you would like to be included in this outreach: Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants, Breweries, Tours nd more can be packaged and sold to groups and individuals
|
|
|
SUMMER INTERNS
UNCW Hospitality Students are seeking summer internships NOW! Paid internships are preferred. Please contact Alexia Franzidis at [email protected] to implement this program for your business!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: December 14, 2022
Time: 11:30 am
|
The Wilson Theater at Cape Fear Community College
|
703 N. 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPONSORSHIP/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
|
Several members (and non-members) have requested information with regard to sponsorship opportunities at our luncheon meetings.
|
We are pleased to offer this opportunity to any hospitality businesses or businesses that serve the hospitality industry.
|
We are also seeking volunteers to head committees, etc.:
|
|
|
|
INVOICES FOR 2023 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP WILL BE EMAILED SHORTLY!
|
(January-December @ $150)
|
Luncheons are $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers.
|
|
Renew or join by check and/or print an invoice for payment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National /State
|
As of early November, international inbound numbers are lagging due to "outrageous wait times of more than 400 days for visitor visa applicants..." U.S. Travel estimates that he U.S. will lose nearly 7 million potential visitors and $12 billion in projected spending in 2023 alone due to excessive wait times."*
|
|
While Wilmington's visitor market is primarily domestic, this issue affects the national and state international visitor market, ultimately affecting revenue to both.
|
|
"Despite tightening monetary policy, high inflation remains persistent, and according to the latest survey, 63% of economists anticipate a recession in the next 12 months, up from 49% in July's survey."**
|
According to this analysis, a recession will affect the business sector more than the leisure; the affluent leisure market, will be less affected overall.
|
Travel plans for December 2022, remain "positive" according to Destination Analysts. The same holds true for projections into 2023***
|
Upcoming events of general interest to the hospitality industry include Travel South International Showcase being held in Louisville KY Nov 27-30 and the VIsit North Carolina Tourism Conference to be held on March 6-8, 2023.****
|
|
Local
|
It's been a successful year overall with regard to the visitor market; in 2021 in New Hanover County alone, visitors spent an estimated $930.40 million dollars, an increase of 55.6% ovr 2020 and the highest ever. There was also an increase of 41.23 % over over 2019 spending, indicating this is not an anomaly.
|
|
Year end room occupancy tax collection s (June 2021-July 2022) for New Hanover County were up 26.72%*
|
|
Most critically, this revenue helps residents, with a savings of $319.28 per resident.
|
|
Please make sure to reach out to ANY new events and happenings to Connie Nelson at the CVB.
|
The CVB sends out seasonal Newsletters filled with pertinent information; be sure to read and share with your employees!
|
Wilmington Downtown, Inc. continues to offer low-interest microloans (up to $20K) to commercial business owners in the Central Business District. Visit WDI
|
Sun Country Airlines announced a new route from ILM to Minneapolis-St. Paul** Beginning June 1, 2023, there will be non-stop flights from operating twice weekly through the Labor Day weekend. A Sun Country Airlines representative noted that Wilmington is an ideal location with several beaches, an award-winning riverfront and a vibrant historic district destination is a perfect vacation spot for those Midwesterners!
|
|
*Wilmington and Beaches Fall 2022 Navigator Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
THE ARTS COUNCIL OF WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER COUNTY
|
The mission of the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County is to support artists and arts organizations through innovative public/private partnerships that support jobs, stimulate commerce and showcase the region as an arts destination.
|
|
The Arts Council is led by Executive Director, award-winning Rhonda Bellamy, who is also the chair of the statewide Arts North Carolina
|
|
Wilmington's reputation as a destination that "has it all" is enhanced by its support of the arts that includes the Cameron Art Museum, featuring the nation's first United States Colored Troops (USCT Park, a number of art galleries downtown, events including the renowned Cucalorus Festival as well as year-round entertainment venues in Downton Wilmington featuring a wide variety of musical and other entertainment.
|
Currently, the Arts Council is supporting the Wilmington Rail Trail, which will connect arts and cultural assets using an urban trail for walking and biking that combines public art, wayfinding and pedestrian amenities. ANOTHER GREAT ASSET FOR WILMINGTON!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
