|
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
|
- Recent Luncheon Meeting Follow-up
|
|
- August 9 WAHA Summer Social Invitation
|
|
|
|
|
MIDSUMMER MUSINGS
Being in the middle of summer means we're in our area's peak visitor season. We know it by the calendar and....by all of the people in supermarkets wearing beach coverups and flip-flops! We appreciate their contribution to our economy and hope they enjoy their stay and tell their friends and families what a great vacation destination experience we offer!
|
Guests arriving from Minneapolis via Sun Country's new direct flight to ILM have the opportunity to book "packages" that include their flight and stays at a selection of area hotels. These flights are currently seasonal. Hopefully, they will be successful and extended; our destination offers respite from those frigid Minneapolis winters!
|
There's also another new direct flight available...from Miami via American Airlines, which will begin this November as well as the expansion of direct flights by Avelo. Check out ALL the flights at Wilmington International Airport
|
These new flights will contribute to increasing the popularity of Wilmington as a destination for additional domestic leisure and global travelers. Miami is a hub for Latin American arrivals and Minneapolis has flights arriving from overseas as well.
|
Additionally, CNBC, for the second year in the row, named North Carolina as the number one state to do business. The continuing emphasis on the economic benefits for businesses to open and grow in the state will attract more businesses into the Wilmington area. Businesses seeking to relocate or open new sites take into account both potential economic benefits as well as "quality of life" criteria. Beautiful beaches and a vibrant downtown that continue to see the opening of new places to shop and dine will bring in new businesses and new employees who, in turn, will invite families and friends to visit!
|
|
As the forecast for a "normalizing" of the domestic leisure market results in less overall demand from these travelers, the opportunity to grow the visitor market to Wilmington through business expansion and additional direct flights from more destinations around the U.S. to ILM, will provide the opportunity to overcome any projected slowdown.
|
|
|
|
|
|
LUNCHEON MEETING AT RUTH'S CHRIS FOLLOW-UP
A presentation on Project Grace, the construction of a new building that will house an expanded Cape Fear Museum and the New Hanover Library was given by Cape Fear Development's Brian Eckel and Mike Brown. The final budget and financing application will be submitted this summer and the Local Government Commission will review in September. If all goes well, Construction could begin in October.
|
|
Rhonda Bellamy, the Founding Executive Director of the Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County provided a brief overview of the "Rail Trail" project. Although a glitch in equipment disallowed the full PPT presentation, an aerial photo of the designated area that will utilize unused railroad space for a walking and biking tail that combines public art, wayfinding and pedestrian amenities was shown. It will be a great asset for the community and an attraction for visitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
AUGUST 9, 4PM-6PM - WAHA SUMMER SOCIAL AT BOWSTRING, BURGERS AND BREWYARD in Downtown Wilmington (Invitation below.)
|
SEPTEMBER 27, 11:30 - BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL: HEIDI WALTERS, Director , Partner & Indusry Relationas at Economic Development will present two (2) new major programs Visit NC will be implementing,
|
|
OCTOBER 15, 11:30AM - HISTORIC THALIAN HALL: MATTHEW WOODS, Superintendent of Moores Creek National Battlefield, the site of the fist Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War, will introduce plans outlining how our area's historical sites and events can participate in the 250th Anniversary of America in 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUGUST WAHA
SUMMER SOCIAL
|
Date: August 9, 2023
Time: 4:00pm-6pm
|
|
Bowstring, Burgers and Brewyard
|
1002 Princess St.
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.:
|
|
|
|
WAHA 2023 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP*
|
|
Annual membership remains at $150 per business (all staff are included in membership)
|
|
Luncheons are $25 per member,
|
|
Renew or join by check and/or print an invoice for payment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National /State
|
Several resources are pointing to current research with regard to future bookings ("normalizing") as well as how visitors are being more cautious economically and seeking ways to save, whether on accommodations, dining or other travel-related expenditures. Overall, people are still very excited about travel, and that extends to all ages and demographics. In their July blog, Destinations Analysts noted that "60 percent said they would be likely or very likely to make money-saving compromises, with only 16 percent saying they would be unlikely."* This included money-saving activities like seeking "budget-friendly" accommodations, staying with friends and family and packing lunches on trips. Additionally, regarding transportation, one in five potential travelers said they would seek low-cost carriers.
|
|
Another 2023 trend that appears to be playing out is the desire of travelers to "experience" destinations as locals; they crave authenticity when in their travel experience.
|
America250.org, created to celebrate our country's 250th anniversary in 2026 recently announced that 18 States are participating to date.
|
The USTA (United States Travel Association echoes the same outlook as Destinations Analysts with regard to travel. Business travel is still lagging behind; leisure travel will grow at "normalized rates" of 2% in 2023 and 2024.**
|
Visit NC's Newslink mentioned USTA's April research highlighting that the hospitality sector had the greatest amount of job openings of any industry: 8.5%. This, of course, is something our industry has had to deal with over the past few years.***
|
Visit NC also made note regarding Wilmington's own Cucalorus was among ‘25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World’ Quite an honor considering the sites of other festivals!
|
*Destinations Analysts, July, 2023 Blog
**USTA, June 14, 2023
***Visit North Carolina, July 19, 2023
|
|
Local
A reminder that the new country-wide Tourism Ambassador program is underway. If you have not yet notified your employees regarding this opportunity, you can check it out here *
|
The newly renovated C.W. Worth House B&B in Wilmington is a nominee in USA TODAY’S 10 Best Readers’ Choice poll as a contender for Best Bed and Breakfast 2023. Voting began on July 20 and runs through August 7th. On opening day, C.W. Worth House got off to a great start at #1 on the leader board. Daily votes are key to maintaining a top ranking. Voters are allowed to vote up to once a day here
|
A recent large convention (Circle K) had delegates staying at a number of hotels in our area (15 properties in all), indicating the need for additional accommodations to be built downtown that would allow for growth of the lucrative meeting and conference market.
|
Congratulations to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher; they welcomed over a half-million visitors during their fiscal year (2022-2023)**
|
|
Good news for New Hanover County! Brunswick County is now part of our area's MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area.)
|
This will increase the overall size of our area and affect the perspective of potential new businesses, changing the overall demographics of the area. This is something that has been sought after for the past decade; congratulations to those that made it happen!**
|
|
|
|
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
C. W. WORTH HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome Home to the C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast, a circa 1893 Victorian home with 7 guest rooms, each with a private bath. The home features modern accommodations that blend beautifully with its historic charm. You will awake each morning to freshly brewed coffee and a full breakfast served in the dining room. In the evenings, enjoy a glass of wine and listen to jazz softly playing in the background as you relax in our pub-style gathering room. It is an easy walk to the riverfront for fine dining, shopping, tours, and nightlife. The beautiful beaches are also a short drive away.
|
REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR THIS MEMBER ON THE USA TODAY'S TEN BEST BED AND BREAKFASTS READERS CHOICE AWARD SITE! VOTE HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
