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JUNE LUNCHEON FOLLOW UP:
Thanks to the team (Zack Brigman, Melissa Bucci and Hayley Foster) at the Embassy Suites for hosting our June Luncheon.
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Jason Brooks' presentation on Leadership, Management and Coaching was engaging (and beneficial!) He received excellent feedback (100% of comments were positive!)
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For those interested in a honing their skills further, see Jason's website for information about a workshop he is offering as well as other services offered.
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UPCOMING WAHA EVENTS; MARK YOUR CALENDERS.
AUGUST 7 LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL: Heidi Walters of Visit NC will share how North Carolina became the FIFTH most visited state in the U.S. (only NY, FL, CA and TX get more visitors!) RESERVE HERE!
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OCTOBER 16 LUNCHEON: Lynn Minges, President and CEO of the NC Restaurant and Lodging Association with discuss the significance of a destination’s food offerings with regard to visitor uptake.
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IMPORTANT: HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS NEEDED:
A visitor market that continues to expand in NC falls under the category of “Sporting Events”. We celebrate the new Ncino Sports Park that includes (11) high level sports field that can accommodate youth sporting events year round.
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A national soccer event will be staged at the park on October 12 and October 13. An RFP has only secured 30% of the 1500 rooms needed for the event.
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This event is a precursor for a great many other events that will come as a result of its success.
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Keep an eye out for an “early bird special” that will provide a limited time reduced membership fee of $100 for those members who sign up or new membership before December 31. Membership is annual; if membership dues are not paid by end of February, lunches will be $45 pp. (Include in your 2025 budget now!)
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We are also the process of updating our website and providing details on membership benefits, including an annual “membership luncheon” that will be provided at no charge to members only!
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TOURISM TRAINING COURSE
Last year, 40 are people participated in a "Destination Expert" course offered by the CVB.
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UPDATE: AMERICA 250; FIRST IN FREEDOM
Attendees at the Cape Fear Museum Meeting in June were presented with the initial plans for "First in Freedom Festival", a commemoration of America's 250 Anniversary that will be celebrated in 2026. This event will serve as the catalyst to collect events and attraction information from “all things historic” in New Hanover and surrounding counties.
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An art contest is already planned as well as the creation of a website and collateral that will share the opportunity to enjoy historic events and attractions throughout the larger SE region of NC. Steven Roberts of the National Park Services who is spearheading efforts forwarded a PPT with an overview of their mission.
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SUCCESSFUL SOUTHEAST ARTS SUMMIT
The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County hosted a successful inaugural Southeast Arts Summit, June 12-13 at Cape Fear Community College. Art is an important component of a destination’s appeal to the visitor market.
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The State of the Art article in Wilmingon Biz explains the impact of art in our community, highlighting public art, concerts, theater offerings and local galleries. As Rhonda Bellamy noted, “With the arts already representing a substantial $75 million sector in New Hanover County alone, employing 1,285 full-time-equivalent workers and contributing substantially to local, state and federal tax revenues, the foundation is strong.”
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WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ILM)
YAY!! Whether vacationing in the Fort Myers/Naples area of Florida or for “transplants” visiting family in Connecticut, Avelo Airlines has just made travel easier with their new flights! ILM was named one of ten “Best Small Airports” in a 2024 Newsweek Readers Choice Awards!
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VOTE FOR BEST B&B IN USA TODAY’S 10 BEST READER’S CHOICE POLL
C.W.Worth House B&B won top place in the USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice poll last year. LET’S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING! VOTE DAILY here.
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VISIT NORTH CAROLINA
Stay updated on news affecting the visitor market in NC! There is also a quick survey regarding “outdoor activities” that will provide information to NC for Federal grants. (It took two minutes) Outdoor activities affect both quality of life and our appeal to visitors.
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TRAVEL IN THE NEWS:
Travel costs were slightly down in June; a 1.4% decrease in the cost of hotels, airfares and gas. Will this be enough impetus to urge more Americans to travel?
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General observations include that travelers are seeking “affordable luxury” and “immersive experiences” in “charming, new destinations.” Also, over 50% of travelers consider “food offerings” in a destination. Considering how you position your accommodation or attraction to be responsive to these trends makes sense.
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Additionally Luxury travel is trending upwards while moderate-priced travel is not as strong.
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