It not only grows tourism, but also it builds pride in the local company that takes the initiative to sponsor a seminar or small convention. They can justifiably say, 'Hey, look at us. We have credibility in the industry. The message is to for these conventioneers to bring families as well. We are cultivating destinations where the entire family can visit.
Families mean overnight stays.
Dramatic changes frequently occur in a culture when someone from without brings a new way of looking at things. New eyes are not encumbered by the inertia of anachronistic methodologies. This is what is happening at the bureau. There are 'challenges' that Brown faces as she forges ahead to sculpt an image for Wilmington where national surveys coldly state there is none. Keia Bennefield, Director of the State Tourism Department acknowledges awareness is a key issue.