This project is crucial to the future of the port in terms of servicing current customers and attracting new business. The port's deepening project is slated to be completed in 2005. Tourism Tourism is one of the most important industries to arise in the latter half of the 20th century in the southern coastal area. Because the scenery is a constant and people are drawn to the sea, this industry provides a strong economic center. The bureau's website has also proven popular with 3,713,381 hits in 2000.
Summer is no longer the sole tourism season.
There are thousands of rooms, motels and inns in the Greater Wilmington area. Historic downtown Wilmington alone has more than two dozen 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 many facilities are experiencing nearly full occupancy on a year-round basis. Other businesses that profit from the steady flow of tourists are also thriving.