Sand Dollars: Thriving on Tourism
Tourism is foundational to Carteret County’s success.
This is your destination for learning more about how tourism benefits our community and what it needs to thrive. From jobs and tax revenue to our school and healthcare systems to restaurants and businesses you know and love – tourism’s benefits are everywhere.
Facts & Figures
A Treasure Trove of Facts and Figures
Carteret County’s tourism economy ranks among the top fifteen in the entire state, significantly contributing to our financial prosperity and rising quality of life.
Here’s a look at how tourism contributes to our community and what’s ahead for this important industry.
Sand Dollars Spotlight
Neil Smith, Cap’n Willis Seafood Market
At Cap’n Willis Seafood Market, a longtime staple of the Crystal Coast, Neil Smith has become a familiar and trusted face. Born and raised on these waters, Neil has spent all of his 74 years along the Crystal Coast, fishing nearly every day he could and building a life rooted in the rhythms of the sea. For nearly 25 years, he has worked at Cap’n Willis, now serving as the market’s manager. Over the decades, he’s done just about everything—from bringing in his own fresh catches to helping customers discover the best of local seafood.
Sharing that seafood with both visitors and neighbors is one of Neil’s greatest joys. And tourism, he says, is essential to the market’s success. “I’d say at least 75% of our business comes from tourism,” he explains. When the off-season arrives and vacationers head home, the slowdown is immediate. “We 100% have to depend on tourists who come here every year. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to operate the way we do.”
For Neil, the connection between visitors, fishermen, and the local economy is direct and undeniable. “If tourists didn’t come in looking for local seafood, we’d probably have to lock our doors,” he says. Choosing to buy from local seafood markets instead of big stores strengthens the entire community. It supports local fishermen, sustains small businesses, and ensures that customers leave with seafood that is truly fresh and truly local—caught right off the Crystal Coast.
After a lifetime on the water and decades at Cap’n Willis, Neil remains committed to sharing the flavors and traditions that define the coast. His work is a reminder of how deeply tourism and local livelihoods are connected—and how each visitor who walks through the door helps keep a cherished coastal heritage alive.
If you work in Carteret County’s tourism industry and would like to potentially be featured in
our Sand Dollars Spotlight, please contact Jillian Lister at sanddollars@crystalcoastnc.org.
Blog
Jen Carter, Caribsea
We spoke with Jen Carter, General Manager of Caribsea in Emerald Isle, a coastal fine dining destination known for fresh, sustainable seafood, rooftop cocktails, and unforgettable celebrations. At Caribsea, dining is more than a meal — it’s an experience. Guests enjoy...
Neil Smith, Cap’n Willis Seafood Market
At Cap’n Willis Seafood Market, a longtime staple of the Crystal Coast, Neil Smith has become a familiar and trusted face. Born and raised on these waters, Neil has spent all of his 74 years along the Crystal Coast, fishing nearly every day he could and building a...
Ricky Farrington, EI Paddle Tours / Real Estate Agent
Along the sunlit shores of Emerald Isle, where generations have built their lives around the water, Ricky Farrington has shaped a career that blends his love for the outdoors with a deep understanding of the Crystal Coast. Born and raised in Carteret County, Ricky is...
Prosperity
Tourism brings substantial revenue to Carteret County:
- Tourism is our largest tax generator – serving up more than $743, 380,000 in economic impact.
- Tourism generated more than $29,500,000 in local sales tax in 2024. Carteret County’s general fund budget for the same year was just over $130,020,000 million.
- Tourism’s economic impact saves each Carteret County resident $729 in taxes annually.
- Tourism directly accounts for approximately 15% of all employment in Carteret County.
- Tourism in Carteret County accounted for $147,000,000 in labor income in 2023.
- Each short-term rental stay drives approximately $1,864 in visitor spending.
Quality of Life
Tourism makes possible many treasured Carteret County amenities:
- More than 100 local restaurants are ready to serve you year round.
- Our array of amenities continues to grow.
- Our cultural attractions include outstanding museums, the NC Aquarium and many music festivals and art galleries.
- Tourism continues to invest over $450,000 annually in local festivals and events.
- Our public school system is well rated.
- Our healthcare system is strong and growing.
- Summer jobs provide both income and life lessons for high school students.
The Future
Tourism’s bright future depends on decisions we make today:
- The length of the tourism season directly impacts its revenue potential in supporting our local business community year-round.
- Negatively impacting a full week of peak tourist season means a loss of more than $2,500,000 to our local businesses.
- Preserving Carteret County’s sense of place is important. So, tourism leaders here are focused not on drawing more visitors during the traditional season, but on creating an economy that makes use of our existing infrastructure year-round.
- Welcoming and valuing tourists is a powerful way of ensuring the continued success of Carteret County
- Residents who build new homes largely use them as second residences and rentals – not living in them full time. This creates less strain on county resources while generating tax income.
NEMA Management
NEMA Management provides Project Management and Owner’s Representation services on complex capital projects. NEMA Management is assisting The City of Wilson, The Brewers and NSV with the development and construction of the downtown Wilson stadium and entertainment complex.
Resources
For more information about tourism’s benefits and future, please download our fact sheet.
Join Us
Join us in making sure tourism continues to thrive in Carteret County.
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Thank you for all you do to support tourism and keep Carteret County thriving!