Sustainable Tourism
from the Ground Up
Regenerative Tourism in Jones County
Atlantic Beach
Wilmington
New Bern
Camp Lejeune
Ft. Bragg
Raleigh
Population Trends
2020 population estimate: 9,172
White: 67.1%
Black/African American: 29.3%
Hispanic/Latino: 5.1% (of any race)
Demographics
Economic Demographics
A Trip through Jones County
Tourism Development
Phases
Lay of the Land
Actor Input/ Visioning
Ind & Org Capacity Building
Financing
Targeted Marketing
Tourism
Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum
Natural & Social Communities
Economic Development/ Current Economic Context
Tourism Mix
Niche Forms of Tourism
Tourism Life Cycle
Messages to Community
Development
Troubleshooting issues; education programs for visitors; create policies
Consolidation
Planning/ policies to mitigate undesired development
Involvement
Exploration
Focus on infill; product gaps; filling community needs; maximizing local impact
Create jobs; increase revenue; new businesses; protect for future
What would initial Tourism Development look like in Jones County?
What would later Tourism Development look like in Jones County?
What Would Regenerative Tourism look like in Jones County?
Timeline
Development of Jones County Tourism Blueprint
Now
Begin Blueprint Implementation
Seek assistance with feasibility studies, retail & food hubs strategy
Aquatic Species: Conservation, Jobs & Arts Program
2024
Continuation of Plans Laid
2025+
Thank you!