Print
Hospitality

Tourism Officials Hope For Best Amidst Anticipation Of Drenched Memorial Day Weekend

By Laura Moore, posted May 25, 2023
While rough surf and heavy rain is expected to dampen the forecast for travel in Cape Fear region this Memorial Day weekend, tourism officials have their "fingers crossed" that the tourists will get some time in the sun.

As of 2 p.m., the National Weather Service was predicting that showers will increase Friday with the heaviest rain expected Friday night and Saturday. The forecast said the rain is expected to end Sunday morning. Memorial Day is Monday.

Rain isn't the only hazardous weather expected during the weekend – the Wilmington NWS office also said wind gusts up to 45 mph are possible along the coast, 35 mph inland.

Kim Hufham, president and CEO of Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, said she is still optimistic for the kickoff weekend of what is typically the area’s busiest tourism time.

“The prediction from AAA is that they are anticipating record-breaking travel this year. Even with this wonderful little storm they are expecting, we have heard of some cancellations, but they are still expecting some last-minute people calling in and coming on down,” Hufham said. “We still have lots of do even if the weather is bad, whether it is shopping or one of our many attractions.”

Hufham’s optimism goes beyond the number of visitors planning to come to town.

“It is not supposed to be a complete washout; fingers crossed. With Memorial Day being a three-day weekend, people made their plans and they’re coming no matter what,” Hufham said.

Although the numbers are not in yet, Hufham anticipates that the Room Occupancy Tax for April will be “flat.”  Although people still visited the area, rainfall took its toll. The numbers collected through March were higher than those of previous years.

Summer is anticipated to bring a record-breaking tourist season.

“We have seen a bit of a softening of the vacation rentals market, but it is still strong. Hotels have indicated a change in booking habits with people tending to call early in the week for the weekend ahead rather than planning their trips months in advance,” Hufham said.

Jeff Bourk, director of Wilmington International Airport (ILM), said he anticipates an elevated travel period that could face additional challenges because of weather conditions, so he encourages people to check with their airlines for possible changes in scheduling.

With the continued growth of ILM, Bourk said he hopes travelers will give themselves extra time to avoid adding unneeded stress to their travel plans.

“Leave 15 to 20 minutes earlier; get here well before your flight to avoid that extra stress on you,” Bourk said. “We have plenty of parking, but if a lot is filled, you may want to allow a little extra time.”

ILM continues to expand, offering five inaugural flights within the next 30 days that include travel to Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; Wilmington, Delaware; Minneapolis; and Boston.

“This is a busy time of year with a lot of additional travel, and with the growth we are experiencing in general," Bourk said, "but it is an easy airport to get in and out of, and that is not changing."   
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Gretchen roberts 2021

New Requirements for Small Businesses: Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting

Gretchen Roberts - Red Bike Advisors
Dave sweyer 300 x 300

Insights into the 2023 Leasing Market in Wilmington, NC: What You Need to Know

Dave Sweyer - Sweyer Property Management
Untitleddesign7

HOA Collections Policies: Ensuring Financial Stability and Fairness

Dave Orr - Community Association Management Services

Trending News

New Hotel Proposed Along Market Street In Ogden

Emma Dill - Mar 15, 2024

Businesses Reopen A Week After Grace Street Facade Collapse

Emma Dill - Mar 15, 2024

Tech Upskilling Cohort To Host First Wilmington Class

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 15, 2024

In The Current Issue

Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Berries, A Battlefield And More In Pender

The N.C. Blueberry Festival, founded in 2003, is one of several events in Pender County that have drawn more attention over the years....


Park Progress

The planning for Pender Commerce Park began in the early 2000s when the county wanted to create an economic driver on its largely rural west...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments