Outer Banks’ tourism up in June despite economy

A recent article in the Virginia-Pilot (Outer Banks’ tourism up in June despite economy) pointed out some positive news for tourism on the Outer Banks.

More people visited the Outer Banks in June 2008 than in June 2007 despite a slowing economy, soaring gas prices, drifting smoke from two area wildfires, and beach closures due to nesting birds.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported that statistics compiled by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau show a 7 percent rise in occupancy in June over the same period last year. The figures show that the gains were in rentals of houses. Occupancy at campgrounds, hotels, and motels were down in June.

Visitors bureau director Carolyn McCormick says the overall gain shows the viability of the Outer Banks, and she remains “cautiously optimistic” for the remainder of the year.