Brunswick County TDA celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority is joining destinations across the country in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week from May 3–9, spotlighting the travel industry’s role as a major economic driver both nationally and locally.

This year’s observance comes as the United States prepares to host global events and commemorate America 250, expected to draw millions of visitors and elevate communities like those in Brunswick County onto an international stage.

“The World Cup is weeks away. America’s 250th birthday is right behind it. Tens of millions of visitors are coming, and the travel industry is what makes that possible,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “National Travel and Tourism Week is our moment to make sure every policymaker, every community leader and every American understands what is at stake and what this industry delivers.”

Locally, tourism remains a cornerstone of the economy in Brunswick County, where visitor spending reached more than $1.22 billion in 2024, according to Visit North Carolina. That spending extends far beyond accommodations, benefiting a wide range of businesses including restaurants, retail shops, fishing charters, golf courses, and equipment rentals.

“Tourism is more than just summer traffic or points on a map,” said John Sneed, executive director of the Brunswick County TDA. “As one of the state’s premier destinations, these visitors are the economic lifeblood of our communities.”

Sneed emphasized the direct impact on residents, noting that tourism supports everyday financial stability for local families. “It is the mortgage paid, the tuition saved, and the dreams realized for thousands of Brunswick County families,” he said. “As the season begins, please join us in welcoming our guests and celebrating your hardworking neighbors who have woven hospitality into the very fabric of our county for generations.”

Tourism’s financial impact also helps offset the tax burden for residents. In 2024, visitor spending generated more than $88 million in state and local tax revenues for Brunswick County. As a result, each resident pays an estimated $524 less annually in local and state taxes.