2a. Lead investment in data platforms that allow for real-time analytics and use intel for targeting and education.
OBVB Role: Lead
Timeline: 2024 and Ongoing
Success Metrics: Identification of goals for behavioral change, articulating the data needed, selecting and deploying the best platform to achieve this, training and education (staff or third parties) to analyze data and make it actionable.
Considerations: This will need a robust marketing and communication effort behind it to make the intel actionable to achieve goals on both the targeting and educational aspects.
Desired Result: Intel can be used to educate visitors (and residents) and support behavioral changes.
2b. Further the OBX as a recognized leader in outdoor recreation and stewardship amongst established recreation communities.
OBVB Role: Lead + Convener
Other Organizations: Outdoor recreation companies on the Outer Banks
Timeline: 2025 and Ongoing
Success Metrics: Identification of leaders in this space along with potential events and competitions they know that the OBVB sales staff could work to attract.
Considerations: This would be further enhanced if some of the voluntourism efforts are underway by then and could be customized to attendees of these events for a more personalized experience.
Desired Result: Increase destination competitiveness and attracting visitors who are committed to sustainability.
PROGRESS:
August 2024 – Beginning in November 2023, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau participated in the Outdoor NC Trail Town Stewardship Pilot Program. Over the course of several months, the OBVB team collaborated with the Outdoor NC team to discuss topics such as stewardship and accessibility. The end result was the Outer Banks being featured as one of 15 destinations featured in the new Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide. The guide celebrates towns across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The areas featured in this guide are championing stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future generations.
October 2023 – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff attended the annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, NC. The conference brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the nation to explore, learn, and collaborate on fostering a sustainable and thriving outdoor economy. As the nation’s largest outdoor recreation-focused economic development gathering, the Outdoor Economy Conference aims to provide a holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between outdoor recreation, community health, and economic vitality.
2c. Collaborate with leading environmentally conscious partners such as the Coastal Studies Institute, NC Coastal Federation, NC Aquariums/Jennette’s Pier, National Park Service and others to further sustainability benchmarks and strategy for visitors.
OBVB Role: Convener
Other Organizations: Environmentally conscious partners
Timeline: 2025-26
Success Metrics: Establishment of benchmarks, progress toward improving results, translating these goals into visitor-facing communication.
Considerations: This would be a great item for the sustainability committee, not as their first item of business, but further down the road when they figure out their purpose and goals.
Desired Result: Identify the necessary uniform metrics and processes to maintain the quality of the environment.
PROGRESS:
August 2024 and Ongoing – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff compiled resident sentiment survey data and feedback regarding environmental concerns and shared with the Special Committee's Environmental Stewardship working group. In addition to examining that information, the working group will begin requesting sustainability plans from local municipalities, agencies and non-profit organizations to help identify and prioritize the environmental challenges the Special Committee is trying to address and help solve.
February 2024 and Ongoing – The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau attended its first Coastal Environmental Educators Network (CEEN) meeting and had the opportunity to discuss the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) and how it intersects with environmental sustainability and stewardship. Attendees included NC Coastal Federation, NC Aquariums, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Dare County Parks & Recreation, Dare County Soil & Water Department, Dare County Children & Youth Partnership, NOAA Monitor Sanctuary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coastal Refuge Complex, OBX Adventures, Island Farm, Elizabethan Gardens and the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Moving forward, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau will be represented at these monthly meetings, as this group represents a great collection of environmentally conscious partners to collaborate with moving forward.
2d. Advocate for a comprehensive increased investment in roads, sidewalks and clean mobility to expand options for non-vehicular transportation.
OBVB Role: Advocate
Other Organizations: Dare County
Timeline: Long-Term
Success Metrics: Attendance at Dare County Transportation Advisory Board meetings for background and context, getting a tourism board member appointed to this advisory board, and eventually having the board develop advocacy/legislative agenda items to push at each level.
Considerations: Identify the various boards, committees and organizations that work in this space. Sign up for newsletters or other notifications (such as agendas and meetings). Most of these are public, so there is an opportunity to listen and learn before fully participating.
Desired Result: Mitigate traffic gridlock, increase pedestrian safety, enhance local quality of life and increase visitor spending in small local businesses.
PROGRESS:
August 2024 – At its August 14 meeting, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee welcomed Win Bridgers, Division 1 Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (which includes the 14 counties in Northeastern North Carolina), and Ronnie Sawyer, Deputy Division Engineer for Division 1. They provided updates on a variety of existing and upcoming NCDOT projects in our area. Topics included: road resurfacing projects, bridge construction and repairs, transportation studies, ADA ramp installations, pedestrian safety initiatives and funding. The updates were very informative and allowed the Special Committee to better understand NCDOT priorities and how they overlap with the LRTMP … and how we can help support and advocate for such initiatives.
2e. Convene a Sustainability Committee to provide ongoing input on tourism strategies that minimize environmental impacts.
OBVB Role: Lead
Other Organizations: Industry partners and organizations concerned with sustainability
Timeline: 2024 and ongoing
Success Metrics: Engaged committee that meets regularly, clearly articulated goals and thoughtful measurements that can track progress.
Considerations: This needs leadership from OBVB to start, but ideally would function independently by individuals from within the ranks of sustainability and stewardship with OBVB there as a participant.
Desired Result: Consistent community and industry engagement related to protecting our natural resources.
