Press Conference & Plaque Presentation Celebrate Honor
The Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau held a press conference on February 13th at the Coastline Convention Center to announce and celebrate a major national designation. Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, and George Edwards, Executive Director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, introduced special guest Nancy Tinker, Senior Program Officer for the Southern Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Ms. Tinker announced that the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Wilmington, North Carolina one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations®. She presented Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and New Hanover County Commissioner Nancy Pritchett with a Dozen Distinctive Destinations® plaque to commemorate the occasion.
“It is significant that Wilmington is receiving this award. Wilmington, an historic port city with roots dating back nearly three centuries, is rich in architecture, museums, splendid gardens and Civil War sites. Whether touring by foot, riverboat, horse-drawn carriage or trolley, visitors benefit from the city’s layered past,” states Nancy Tinker, Senior Program Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Southern Office. “This community and this award are perfectly matched. Criteria for this designation are clear with awards given only to communities who offer an authentic visitor experience by combining a dynamic downtown, cultural diversity, cultural landscapes, and a strong commitment to historic preservation.”
Mayor Bill Saffo and Commissioner Nancy Pritchett accepted the award on behalf of the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County.
“This is a tremendous honor for our historic city,” states Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. “We have worked hard to preserve our historic heritage, such as our beautiful City Hall and historic Thalian Hall that were built in 1855. Many visitors to our region specifically love this historic character and attraction that our area has to offer.”
“On behalf of New Hanover County, we are grateful for the recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation,” states New Hanover County Commissioner Nancy Pritchett. “It is received with gratitude to the resourceful men and women who saw the beauty and history in these buildings and worked to preserve them for posterity.”
Rosalie Calarco from Congressman Mike McIntyre’s office read a statement on behalf of the Congressman: “North Carolinians have long appreciated the character and heritage of Wilmington and New Hanover County. With this national designation, even more can come to appreciate the unique opportunities, cultural sights, and visual beauty that shape this special place on North Carolina’s coast. Congratulations to all the local citizens, leaders and elected officials who have helped preserve and enhance Wilmington and New Hanover County. This is indeed a special day in the history of the Port City.”
Kim Hufham read a letter from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (N.C.) to congratulate the City of Wilmington and the County of New Hanover.
For the ninth consecutive year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 communities across the U.S. for its Dozen Distinctive Destinations® list. Wilmington, North Carolina, joins 11 other 2008 recipients: Aiken, S.C.; Apalachicola, FL; Columbus, MS; Crested Butte, CO; Fort Davis, TX; Friday Harbor, WA; Portland, OR; Portsmouth, NH; Red Wing, MN; Ste. Genevieve, MO; and San Juan Bautista, CA. Each community offers cultural and recreational experiences that differ from the typical vacation destination. The selected destinations also demonstrate a richness of character and authentic sense of place. Citizens of these communities have taken proactive measures to protect their town’s historical and scenic assets.
To date, there are 108 destinations located in 42 states throughout the country included among the Dozen Distinctive Destinations®. Wilmington, North Carolina joins Asheville (2002), Edenton (2003), and Hillsborough (2007) to become the state’s fourth community to be included among the Dozen Distinctive Destinations. For a complete list, visit www.preservationnation.org.
Last fall, the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB and the Historic Wilmington Foundation worked cooperatively on a Dozen Distinctive Destinations® application for consideration by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Questions on the application were based on criteria that placed emphasis on heritage tourism and the visitor experience, as well as historic preservation, community revitalization, and unique spirit of place. This is Wilmington, North Carolina’s first appearance on the coveted list.
“The award of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations® is a reaffirmation of the value of historic preservation to this community and a confirmation of the significant economic impact that historic preservation has had and continues to have on this City and the region,” states George Edwards, Executive Director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation. “It is a fantastic award and recognizes the work and contributions of so many people to preserve our heritage.”
In her closing comments, Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, addressed the importance of tourism to the local economy. In 2006 (most recent figures available), the economic impact from domestic travel in New Hanover County was an estimated $388.31 million. Local and state taxes paid by visitors to New Hanover County helped to offset the taxes owed by each county resident by approximately $188.53 in 2006.
“Receiving this designation will increase the destination’s visibility, and in turn, shine a brighter light on all of our great attractions and tourism-related businesses. It also helps further establish Wilmington and North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast as a ‘must see’ for heritage and preservation travelers,” states Kim Hufham. “Heritage tourism is a growing sector in the Travel & Tourism industry and recent studies show that heritage tourists typically stay longer and spend more money. News of this honor will reach heritage travelers far and wide, and that’s great news for our destination.”
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover County that stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel and tourism. For more information about Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast, please visit www.gocapefearcoast.com, or call 1-866-266-9690 to request a free Visitors Guide.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: To obtain electronic images of the Wilmington Riverfront and/or historic sites, please contact Connie Nelson at cvbpr@capefearcoast.com or call 910-341-4030, ext. 20.
Official Tourism Website of Wilmington & NC's Cape Fear Coast
