A Wilmington vacation rental dubbed "The Great Escape" landed recently on an Airbnb popularity list. The vacation rental, which is located not far from Mayfaire, was the No. 1 wish-listed rental in New Hanover County, according to an Airbnb report on the most wish-listed properties in each of the hospitality company’s top 20 home-sharing counties in ...

With the internet and automation changing the landscape of many jobs, it is no surprise that online travel planning services would force the travel agency world to adapt. But people are still turning to real agents, opting for professional advice over online research done alone, according to local agents.   The online travel market has become saturated with services ...

With new regulations on short-term rentals requiring owners to register their lodging with the city of Wilmington,125 had registered their short-term rentals as of April 16. Of those 125, 33 are homestays -- individual rooms that are rented in the host’s home -- and 92 are whole-house rentals, an entire house rented without the host present, according to the city. ...

New Hanover County tourism officials are expecting a strong 2019 summer travel season. With the high-season approaching, the county’s post-Florence recovery has already delivered a healthy tourism-related spring.  Marketing efforts by the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), coupled with mended tourist attractions, are behind the sum ...

A new dock will give Battleship North Carolina visitors a fresh angle to experience the World War II vessel, moored at 1 Battleship Road.   The Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant dock and kayak launch provide the opportunity to explore the marine environment surrounding the battleship’s mooring basin, officials said in a news release. Featuring shore-si ...

A replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ historic ships is now moored in downtown Wilmington.   Modeled after the Santa Maria, the Nao Santa Maria is on display at Port City Marina, 10 Harnett St., through May 19. The Santa Maria was among the three ships Columbus used in 1492.   The replica set sail in 2017 to mark the 525th anniversary of Columbus&rs ...

The Wilmington Area Hospitality Association (WAHA) kicked off its annual membership drive May 15 at an event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront.   The organization includes members from the area’s tourism industry and holds bimonthly meetings “at various event venues, accommodations, restaurants and attractions in the area as well as e ...

With summer on the horizon, the Port City’s leading outdoor venues prepare for another season of events underneath the coastal sun. Locals and tourists alike are familiar with the scene – fireworks at nightfall, stadiums full of cheers, music by the water and cold beers aplenty.   Outdoor venues provide spaces to let the good times roll, but is the money ...

A strong 2019 summer tourism season awaits the Wilmington region and, with a new marketing initiative, CVB hopes to attract more visitors during the off-season and establish the area as more than just a beach destination. That was the main message shared Friday at the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) sixth annual Travel Rally Breakfast ...

Business owners, the New Hanover County hospitality industry and elected officials will gather Friday at the Wilmington Convention Center to discuss how tourism impacts the community and include updates on hurricane recovery and strategic plans. The sixth annual Travel Rally Breakfast, hosted by the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), includes a ...