Tourism remains one of the most important industries in North Carolina, particularly in the southern coastal region. With an appealing variety of attractions — beaches and waterways, breathtaking gardens, a rich arts environment, well-established cultural events, beautiful historic homes and landmarks — and moderate year-round temperatures, this area is a highly desirable destination for visitors from all over the country. This translated into $854 million in state revenue in 2009, according to tourism statistics from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Tourism is one of the state's largest industries; visitors to and within North Carolina spent a record $15.6 billion in 2009, an increase of 29 percent from 2001.

The economic impact is significant in terms of jobs and and payroll dollars in the three-county area. In 2009 (most recent figures available), travelers spent more than $390.38million (more than 5,200 jobs and $92.31 million payroll) in New Hanover County, more than $392.83 million in Brunswick County and $67.94 million in Pender County. The N.C. Department of Commerce's most recent report for New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties directly attributes a total of 11,080 jobs and more than $190 million in payroll as a result of tourism.

With more than 50 championship golf courses and a long mid-March through mid-November playing season, golf is another major draw to the region. Restaurants number in the hundreds and continue to proliferate at an astounding rate, with the best of them enjoying capacity dining on weekends. Special attractions and activities such as horse-and-carriage rides in the historic district, boat tours, sailing charters, a downtown Wilmington walking tour, the free trolley, Riverwalk and educational tours in the historic district continue to respond to high demand.

Summer is no longer the sole tourism season. Visitors Bureau officials recognize that Wilmington and the surrounding communities have moved from a three-month to a nearly year-round tourism season, with the majority of visitors arriving from March through November. With that in mind, the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau has several visitor information center locations starting with the main office at 505 Nutt Street, Unit A, (910) 341-4030, and the River Booth, located along the Cape Fear riverfront near the corner of Water and Market streets.

Accommodations are plentiful in the Greater Wilmington area and coastal Brunswick County. Historic downtown Wilmington and picturesque Southport offer a bounty of charming bed and breakfast inns. With such an abundance of accommodations at their disposal, visitors are only limited in choice by their budget or their imagination. Still, it is often difficult to find lodgings on short notice during the summer, and advance reservations for these months are highly recommended, especially for weekends.