WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – With Memorial Day right around the corner, along with the start of tourism season, we’re getting a better idea of how much money visitors bring to the area.

Tourism leaders in New Hanover County are looking to the future by having their annual Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau breakfast event on Wednesday.

“The tourism industry is an economic generator that brings new dollars in our community,” said Kim Hufham, Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau president.

Hufham says tourists spent $1.1 billion in the county in 2023.

“Those are just generated and put back into our community, those dollars are,” she said.

In a press release, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also announced the state broke its tourism record with travelers spending more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state in 2024.

With tourist season quickly approaching, leaders are rolling out a new way to help tourists and their money roll in with a 10-year tourism master plan.

“It really gives us a clear vision of where tourism needs to go, areas we’re lacking in, areas we’re excelling in,” said Hufham.

The first-ever plan includes increasing year-round stability, adding new opportunities for visitors so they come back, and taking advantage of what sets Wilmington apart, including the people who live here.

“If people feel like they’re welcome by the residents, they’ll want to come back and be a visitor again,” said Hufham.

Hufham says they’re still working on specific actions for short and long-term goals, but that’ll be their next step.

“It’s a community effort we’ll be moving forward with,” she said.

In addition to the 10-year master plan, leaders are working on three individualized beach plans for Wrightsville, Kure, and Carolina Beach. The plans will address parking, better access, and safety.

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