Coronavirus Visitor Info

What to expect when traveling to Wilmington and Beaches

Wilmington and our island beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville Beaches, which are located in New Hanover County (NHC), are following the new NHC Health mandate which requires individuals to wear face coverings when indoors in all businesses, establishments and indoor public places regardless of vaccination status as of August 20, 2021. The CDC and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) have issued guidance calling for all people, to include those fully vaccinated, to wear face coverings in indoor spaces when they are around people they do not live with, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For those visiting our city and beach communities, we thank you for trusting us with your care and safety as you travel. We encourage you to travel and enjoy our area by following state and local guidelines for your safety and the safety of our residents. Visitors are advised to contact tourism businesses directly with questions regarding any admission protocols and/or hours of operation prior to travel.

County Issues Indoor Mask Mandate

New Hanover County Health & Human Services Board has issued a mask requirement as of August 20, 2021. Under the order, the County requires anyone 2 years old and older to wear masks while in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. It includes offices and workplaces, business establishments (including private clubs), public transportation facilities and vehicles, and any place the public is invited or allowed to assemble. The full order can be read here.

Travelers are advised to follow all municipal, state and CDC travel recommendations.

Cleaning/Safety Protocols

Enhanced Safety Measures for Lodging
For hospitality businesses in Wilmington and Beaches, the health and well-being of our visitors and employees is a top priority. With safety concerns top of mind for travelers in the foreseeable future, many lodging properties are following enhanced safety guidelines provided by corporate offices, as well as guidance from respected industry associations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association, U.S. Travel Association, the CDC, among others that are designed to provide a consistent set of cleaning and guest/associate safety standards. Many properties are also encouraging mobile check-in and check-out.

Visitors are encouraged to contact lodging properties directly with specific questions regarding their cleaning and safety protocols.

Brand Hotel Cleaning Programs
Best Western We Care Clean 
Choice Hotels Commitment to Clean
Hilton’s CleanStay
IHG Clean Promise
Marriott’s Commitment to Clean
Radisson Safety Protocol 
Red Roof RediClean
Wyndam’s Count on Us

Other Hotel Cleaning Programs
Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Other Safety Guidance Programs
AHLA Safe Stay
Air BnB Enhanced Cleaning Initiative
Vacation Rental Management Association Cleaning Guidelines

Wilmington International Airport Safety Measures
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is committed to making travel as safe as possible with enhanced safety measures, cleaning and disinfecting. Learn more about how ILM is going above and beyond to create a safe and healthy airport at ILM Safe Travels.

Count On Me NC

“Count on Me NC” is a statewide public health initiative program. A joint partnership between North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, Visit NC and North Carolina State University, the public-private partnership provides specific guidance to restaurants, hotels, and other public-facing businesses on best cleaning practices and safety protocols. Centered around an evidence-based training program, “Count on Me” incorporates the best available science, and all training and materials follow a rigorous content development and review process. The program is also designed to empower customers to make a commitment to do their part to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Wilmington and Beaches travel partners have the opportunity to participate in training courses and earn “Count on Me NC” seals to display at their businesses. Find a map and list here of our Count on Me NC travel and related businesses who have completed industry-specific COVID-19 training, and check back for a regularly updated list.

Seasonal Travel & Trip Ideas

We will continue to share updates and resources with our travelers on an on-going basis as the situation changes. For future travel planning, please check out our seasonal trip ideas, and experience the sights of Wilmington and our beaches by clicking the images below.

Travel safely and responsibly, and thank you for visiting Wilmington and our Island Beaches.