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 is ranked 11th 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
Deanna McElmon, Aquatic Center
Being on coastal time doesn’t mean you have to miss your workout! Fitness and aquatic opportunities abound at Cape Carteret Aquatic & Wellness Center—a facility that’s been lovingly run by Carteret County lifers and husband-and-wife duo Deanna and Albert McElmon for the last 26 years.
The gym—which has everything from fitness classes, free weights and a basketball court to a heated saltwater pool and steam rooms—receives a significant chunk of business thanks to tourists. After noticing the volume of visitors consistently coming in to use the facilities, the McElmons implemented day passes for guests, which average a net revenue of ~$3,000 per week and ~$10,000 per month. According to Deanna, that accounts for a tenth of the Aquatic & Wellness Center’s yearly revenue.
“We have repeat people who come back every year,” said Deanna. “They are coming to something that’s familiar.” The co-owner noted the fitness outpost has a 15-visit punch pass that’s been a hit with visitors, especially on rainy days or when the ocean is rough.
For her part, McElmon is very proud of her home county, both for its people and its breathtaking surroundings.
“We are a very wholesome and welcoming group of people,” McElmon said. “We have a lot to offer. When tourists come in, to us they are no longer tourists. They are just our out-of-town members.”
When the fitness-focused couple isn’t hard at work, find them spending time with their many family members who also reside in the area, exploring the coast via boat or chowing down at Coastal Haze Restaurant.
“I was born in Morehead City and I’m going to die in Carteret County,” said McElmon. “We are very, very local and have a very strong connection with the community. That’s why we stay here.”
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.
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Prosperity
Tourism brought substantial revenue to Carteret County in 2024:
- 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.
- 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.
- Each short-term rental stay drives approximately $1,864 in daily 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.
- 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 and enhancing revenues for our local businesses.
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!