Tourists react to HB2

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A controversial new North Carolina law has some people saying they will not travel to the Tar Heel state.

Some states have banned travel to North Carolina and some tourists say they wont visit, all because of House Bill Two.

Tourists like Sean Gonzales from California said the passage of House Bill 2 will make them re-think another visit to North Carolina.

“I would want to be able to use whatever restroom I wanted to use I guess,” Gonzales said.

Hundreds of tourists have posted on the “Visit North Carolina” Facebook page saying they will not travel to the state unless something changes. Tourism officials like Connie Nelson say it’s hard to tell what lies ahead.

“This legislation is really unprecedented so there’s really no way for us to know exactly how it’s going to impact tourism,” Nelson said.

Jack Mingus, visiting Wilmington from Richmond, Virginia, said even visitors can make an impact on the state.

“If you’re not of a state that has a law that you’re not in agreement with, then the only thing you have to kind of make a point with, is your wallet,” Mingus said.

Mingus said if it were not for his family’s vacation home in the area, they would choose to vacation somewhere else.

“If you’re not of a state that has a law that you’re not in agreement with, then the only thing you have, to kind of make a point with, is your wallet.”

If tourism does decline, Nelson said they will do the best they can to encourage visitors.

“As always, we would just stay the course and continue to promote Wilmington and our beaches and New Hanover County as a tourist destination to all visitors,” she said.