Burgaw seeks full control of occupancy tax amid tourism boom

BURGAW, NC (WWAY-TV) – Over the past few years, Burgaw has experienced a major boom in tourism and now the town’s mayor is wanting to take that revenue out of the county’s hands.

Currently, the town of Burgaw, which serves as the county seat gives half of its occupancy tax to Pender County’s Tourism Development Authority.

Occupancy tax is levied when tourists stay at hotels, motels, campgrounds and short-term rentals. Burgaw only keeps 3% of the full 6% occupancy tax collected in the town.

In November 2025, the town passed a resolution to retain the full amount of occupancy taxes.

Olivia Dawson, the town mayor said this is a necessary step to support the town’s tourism growth.  

“So far us that little bit of extra money can go a long way and improving things for our visitors and residents, that’s what our goal and mission is that we can continue to grow and thrive,” Dawson said.

Burgaw is the only municipality in Pender County that splits the sum of those taxes with the county.

Dawson said the town has sent the resolution to their county representatives and hopes the bill will be included in the county’s short-session in April.