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

Nikki Dunn, NC Coastal Life

 

Born out of an experiment to see if they could turn their passions into a living, Mike and Nikki Dunn founded their passions-turned-business enterprise, NC Coastal Life in 2012. Merging indoor and outdoor yoga, scuba instruction, escorted dive travel and beach vacation rental management, NC Coastal Life operates with a goal to bring joyful experiences to those living in and visiting the Crystal Coast.

“We combined our favorite things,” said Nikki of NC Coastal Life. “We are both scuba instructors and yoga teachers—so we put it together, left our jobs in the corporate world and moved to Beaufort.” While Mike unexpectedly passed away last year at 61 years old, Nikki has continued the business they both began as a tribute to his legacy.

“I am keeping things successful. Mike has left a legacy for me to live on and enjoy,” she said. One of those things is a massive customer base of residents and tourists alike, many of whom have transitioned from customers into friends.

For her part, Nikki smiles when she considers how fast Beaufort is growing—because it means people are visiting. “I’m happy to be part of that,” she said. “I’m aware there’s lots of places people can go. [Tourism] brings in business. It’s the foundation… we thrive on tourism.”

Similar to NC Coastal Life’s logo of a yogi mermaid, with hair that spells ‘ohm’, Nikki enjoys the peace and tranquility of being surrounded by water, seeing the coastal sunsets and enjoying the Crystal Coast’s array of nature-focused activities. “Diving and yoga are so similar,” said Nikki. “They both bring peace and calm.”

If you work in Carteret County’s tourism industry and would like to potentially be featured in
our Sand Dollars Spotlight, please contact Anna Beth Adcock at aadcock@rlfcommunications.com.

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Carteret County

Prosperity

Tourism brings substantial revenue to Carteret County:

  • Tourism is our largest tax generator – serving up more than $732,900,000 in economic impact.
  • Tourism generated more than $28,700,000 in local sales tax in 2023. Carteret County’s general fund budget for the same year was just over $114,000,000 million.
  • Tourism’s economic impact saves each Carteret County resident $726 in taxes annually.
  • Tourism directly accounts for approximately 15% of all employment in Carteret County.
  • Tourism in Carteret County accounted for $143,800,000 in labor income in 2023.
  • Each short-term rental stay drives approximately $1,864 in visitor spending.
Carteret County

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!