Wilmington and Beaches CVB to Celebrate Industry During Annual Travel Rally

 

Wilmington, N.C. – April 24, 2026: In recognition of the important role that tourism plays in our community, the New Hanover County Commissioners unanimously approved a Proclamation during their April 20 meeting that designates May 3-9, 2026 as National Travel & Tourism Week in New Hanover County.

Celebrated annually in May, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the message that travel is vital to moving America’s economy forward. This year’s theme of “Postmarked: Essential” highlights that in every corner of the country travel is a foundational pillar of growth, leaving an indelible mark on our local economies and culture. 

New Hanover County’s travel industry will join communities across the United States to observe NTTW’s 43rd anniversary on Wednesday, May 6 when the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau [CVB] hosts the annual Travel Rally Breakfast and Celebration. In addition to a State of the Industry update, this year’s program will feature special guest Heather Hansen O’Neill, a two-time TEDx keynote speaker, author, corporate coach/facilitator, and keynote speaker on leadership, change, and breakthrough performance. Heather’s message is sure to inspire and energize our hospitality industry as we prepare for a busy summer season. And, as always, the Travel Rally will end on a celebratory note by recognizing this year’s Tourism Star and Legacy Award winners. 

“Each year during National Travel and Tourism Week, the CVB staff looks forward to celebrating and saluting the more than 7,003 tourism and hospitality industry employees who welcomed an estimated 4.8 million visitors to our destination last year,” states Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “We are forever grateful to our valued travel partners for all they do to make our visitors feel welcome, informed and appreciated.” 

To learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week, please visit ustravel.org/NTTW .

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. Visit us online at www.WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

 

###

Contact:  Connie Nelson, Wilmington and Beaches CVB

910-332-8751; cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com