Our mission at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is to increase overnight visitation of leisure, business and other travel to Dare County’s Outer Banks in the less-than-peak months. The economic impact that tourism brings to our community cannot be overstated. In 2023, Dare County ranked #4 in North Carolina with $2.15 billion in visitor spending, trailing only Mecklenburg, Wake and Buncombe counties. The hospitality industry accounts for nearly half of all jobs in Dare County, while residents realize an annual tax savings of nearly $3,900 as a direct result of the occupancy and meals taxes that are collected. But, with that success, also comes impacts that can negatively affect a community as well.
Over time, it has become necessary for our work to evolve beyond stimulating such economic impact by visitors to ensure that tourism also benefits the quality of life for our residents and quality of place for our visitors, while also protecting our delicate natural environment and preserving our unique history and culture.
The Outer Banks Long Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) was published in May 2023, following an 18-month process begun by the Dare County Tourism Board and executed by the staff of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and partners at MMGY NextFactor and Tourism Economics. The comprehensive plan, which included creating a special task force and curating the input of hundreds of community stakeholders and thousands of Dare County residents, provides a roadmap for the future that will allow tourism to grow responsibly and sustainably over time.
As we continue to move forward with the implementation of the LRTMP, the involvement from our community members will be critical to its success. We invite you to explore the plan and connect with us with any feedback and input.
