Record-breaking tourism is bringing billions of dollars to the Cape Fear region. Here's a look at a few facts about the impact of visitor spending in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties in 2025.
$2.65 billion
Amount visitors spent in 2025 in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
5
Number of consecutive years visitor spending has grown in the Cape Fear region.
About 14,000
Number of people employed in tourism-related jobs in 2025 across the region.
December and January
Both months posted double-digit percentage growth in room occupancy tax collections despite being historically among Wilmington's slowest tourism months.
$191.9 million
Estimated tax savings for residents in the three counties, according to a study from Visit
North Carolina.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 5 things to know about tourism in the Wilmington area
