Strategic plan from the Leland Tourism Development Authority

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, and tourism is a big draw in the coastal region, but Leland wants to create its own identity. 

The Leland Tourism Development Authority — which is not officially part of the town’s government — has been developing a ‘strategic plan’ to better understand who is coming to Leland, what they’re coming here for, and how the experience can be better for residents and visitors. Barnes Sutton is the town of Leland’s economic and community development director. He says they’re focusing on both residents and tourists. 

“We’re not just solely focused on tourism. If we do this right what we do for tourist is also good for the residents. So as long as we keep that in mind as we develop strategies to improve the visitor experience, I think it will create that sense of the place that the residents are looking for. Something that makes Leland truly unique,” Sutton adds.  

Sutton adds the town is looking at adopted plans with citizen input, to be better informed about what residents want.