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- FEBRUARY LUNCHEON FOLLOWUP
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- JOB FAIRS FOR NEW WILMINGTON HOTELS
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- WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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ANNUAL WAHA MEMBERSHIP:
All subscribers to our newsletter have received an email with the link to pay for WAHA Annual Membership dues online or to print out an invoice to send a check in the amount of $150. If you have not yet paid, kindly click on either “join” or “renew” on the dashboard at Wilmington Area Hospitality Association to facilitate payment.
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Please be advised that luncheons beginning in April will be $35 per member, $45 per non-member.
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JOIN US:
Members and non-members alike are invited to WAHA’s Spring Mixer. There is no cost to attend; simply reply to the RSVP to join us at Platypus and Gnome on Wednesday, March 20 from 4 to 7pm.
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FEBRUARY LUNCHEON FOLLOWUP
Thanks to the Wilmington Convention Center for sponsoring our lunch and the City of Wilmington for forgoing parking fees!
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Julie Beck, President of the NC Association of Festivals and Events provided an entertaining and educational overview of how a single event that she oversees, the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive, NC, drew 60,000 people for a single day event. The event has a significant economic impact on area businesses and regional hotels.
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Julie’s presentation preceded a presentation by Rob Kaiser, publisher of Wilmington Biz and the host of FEAST Wilmington a three-day Food and Drinks Festival to be held on March 22-24 at Riverfront Park this year. Use this discount code by March 15 — feastfriends10 — to get 10% off your tickets. You can also share the availability of this discount in any of your postings via social media, e-mails, etc.
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Hotel partnerships are available if your property would like to provide a Festival Accommodation Package for tickets and hotel stay. A discounted event rate is available to include in the aforementioned package. Please reach out directly to Jessica Maurer at [email protected] for more information on pricing and ticket availability.
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How important are events in an area? A recent online presentation by Miles Partnership featured a panel of DMO’s (Destination Management Organizations) who voiced that it was major events in their area (especially in the shoulder season) that were the catalyst for greater economic success and driving the visitor market to their destinations.
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RIVERWALK UPDATE:
Downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk is a key asset to tout when marketing Wilmington as a destination for visitors wherever they stay in Wilmington. Over the years, the Riverwalk itself has expanded with accessible restaurants and water tours; the latest improvements to further enhance the experience include better signage and an interactive kiosk. As a destination with beautiful beaches AND a vibrant downtown that features an “award-winning” Riverwalk our destination will continue to drive increased visitor numbers.
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AZALEA FESTIVAL:
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Yet another great annual event will be celebrated soon in Wilmington: The Azalea Festival
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will be held from April 3-7, 2024. Check out the many event details AND buy an Azalea Festival Pin which offers discounts and special offers at a variety of local businesses.
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IMPORTANT: The Azalea Festival is currently #5 in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of “Best Flower Festival”. Here’s the direct link to the NC Azalea Festival voting page.
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Just check the ‘I’m Not a Robot’ box and click on the VOTE link under the photo. Festival fans can vote daily through March 18 at 12Noon. Vote once a day until then!
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JOB FAIRS FOR NEW WILMINGTON HOTELS:
Two new hotels will be opening soon in our area: Tru Wilmington and Hotel Lela. Check out information regarding Job Fairs which are being held to fill positions at both properties as well as Paloma’s, the restaurant at the Hotel Lela which will be held on March 13, 14 and 15.
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FILM INDUSTRY UPDATES:
The Film Industry in NC (and Wilmington specifically) is a critical contributor to our economy. A recent Power Breakfast sponsored by Wilmington Biz featured several speakers providing specific details and information on the film industry. Last year saw the purchase of EUE/Screen Gems to Cinespace Studios; adding Wilmington (a coastal city) to the portfolio of one of the world’s largest stage and production services providers; this new ownership is sure to be the catalyst for future growth.!
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REMINDERS FROM THE CVB:
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2024 CAREER, COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY EXPO:
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This annual event will be held on April 16, 2024 at the Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center, 610 N. Front Street in Wilmington (in the heart of the Cape Fear Community College's downtown campus.) It's an opportunity for hospitality and other businesses to showcase careers respective to their businesses. Contact (via email) [email protected] if you are interested in finding out more.
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CHANGE OF ADDRESS; OPENING OF VISITORS INFORMATION BOOTH:
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The CVB’s address has changed to: Wilmington and Beaches CVB, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street, Suite 410, Wilmington, NC 28401. The Riverbooth Visitor Information Center reopened for the season last Friday, March 1st.
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WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
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A recent article notes that Wilmington International Airport will receive additional funding that will enable further improvements to the infrastructure at the airport.
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“The $4 million awarded to ILM funds a portion of the terminal access road and terminal curb front expansion and realignment. This award contributes towards ILM’s 5-year $175 million capital program. “On behalf of the Airport Authority I’d like to express our sincere appreciation to our federal legislatures,” stated Spruill Thompson, Chair of the New Hanover Airport Authority.)"
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Additionally, ILM is successful in the category of General Aviation with two successful FBO’s (Fixed Base Operators: Modern Aviation and Aero Center Wilmington.
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TRAVEL TRENDS:
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According to a recent presentation by Miles Partnership, travel plans are remaining strong for 2024 with “enthusiasm” to travel remaining high. However, 31% of people still list “personal finances” as a deterrent to travel. Millennials and Boomers seem to be the least affected regarding financial concerns.
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Value is still a significant component of what travelers seek due to escalating costs with “affordability” ranking number one in what travelers seek. Regarding beach destinations, the price of hotels, restaurants and food are the main concerns.
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VISIT NC:
Participate with N.C. Welcome Centers during National Travel & Tourism Week
Attractions, accommodations and other tourism-related businesses are invited to participate in Tourism Week; there is no charge to participate, but space is limited and reservations are required. To coordinate participation, interested partners should contact the N.C. Welcome Center of their choice. This year’s National Travel & Tourism Week runs May 19-25.
National Travel & Tourism Week observances at the N.C. Welcome Centers will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; dates for activities at each Welcome Center are:
- May 22 - I-26 East, I-77 North
- May 23 - I-40 West, I-77 South, I-85 North, I-95 North
- May 24 - I-26 West, I-85 South, I-95 South
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Wrightsville Beach among '10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.'
Travel + Leisure included Wrightsville Beach among its “10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.” Of the inclusion, T+L noted, in part, “One of America's best beach towns, Wrightsville Beach offers water sports, restaurants, shopping, and history. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and scuba divers seek out the area's sunken ships and reefs teeming with marine life. Even if it's not swimming weather just yet, you can still enjoy being on the water with a sightseeing cruise or fishing excursion."
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