Pender County eliminates tourism department in new budget

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Commissioners have approved the budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The budget eliminates the county’s Tourism Department.

The board voted 3-1 in favor of the cuts. Commissioner Jerry Groves cast the only opposing vote.

Tammy Proctor, former director of Pender County Tourism, responded to the decision in a statement. She now leads the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

“Tourism is one of the top industries in Pender County,” Proctor said. “We are a coastal county and the beaches attract visitors. But there are also almost 400 miles of beach towns vying for the attention of potential visitors.”

She said tourism goes beyond the beaches.

“But it doesn’t stop there,” Proctor said. “Once a visitor is here, it is important to show them the experiences they can have inland – such as the Mountains to Sea Trail, the museums, film locations, and so much more. But if we don’t tell the story, who will?”

Proctor cited data from Visit NC.

“In the latest figures I have seen from Visit NC, visitors spent almost $200 million in Pender County in 2023 on lodging, dining, recreation and shopping,” she said. “Tourism generates 1,000 jobs in Pender County – that’s $40.4 million in income. Tourism in 2023 generated $9.1 million in local taxes.”

She said the industry supports small businesses.

“The overwhelming majority of our Chamber businesses are Mom & Pop, locally owned and operated,” Proctor said. “They benefit from the tourism industry.”

Proctor called tourism critical to the county’s economy.

“Tourism is important to our economic health,” she said.