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
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 the owner of Emerald Isle Paddle Tours and a local real estate agent, roles that allow him to share the beauty of the area with visitors and future residents alike.
Ricky’s upbringing played a defining role in the path he follows today. Growing up watching his dad and uncles build and sell homes along the Crystal Coast gave him firsthand experience in construction, property management, and sales. “Our area is unique in that every property is different,” he explains. “There are all kinds of nuances with each one, so having that local, firsthand knowledge helps tremendously.” Whether he’s guiding someone through a home search or leading a paddle tour along quiet waterways, that background has shaped the expertise he brings to every interaction.
Tourism is central to both sides of Ricky’s work. “A lot of small businesses on the Crystal Coast make most of their income in June, July, and August,” he says. “Many people work multiple jobs during those months. I’ve benefitted greatly from all of the people who visit the Crystal Coast each year.” Visitors support the tours, shops, restaurants, and services that sustain the local economy—and in doing so, help preserve the community that Ricky has always called home.
More than anything, Ricky hopes people leave with a sense of belonging. “Everyone is welcome,” he says. “Sometimes people move here and want to close the gate behind them, but as someone who was born and raised here and has so many great memories, I truly think this is the best place to live. There’s a spot for everyone.”
Through his work on the water and in real estate, Ricky helps others experience the charm, warmth, and possibility of the Crystal Coast—ensuring that the place he has always loved continues to be shared with those who feel drawn to it.
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 locally owned 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.
- 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.
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Thank you for all you do to support tourism and keep Carteret County thriving!