Riding the Wave: Make the Most of Wilmington’s Summer Tourism Boom

You don’t have to run a business along the Riverwalk to know that Wilmington’s summer economy is hot! Vacationers are crowding restaurants and shops, enjoying community events, and heading to the beach. It’s no surprise that visitors to New Hanover County spent more than $1 billion in a recent year. 

This seasonal rush brings exciting opportunities for local business owners—but by July, it’s normal to feel like you’re losing momentum. Now is the perfect time to make thoughtful mid-season adjustments to re-energize your business and keep it performing at its best. 

Here are four practical strategies to help you finish the summer strong. 

Grab Attention Online
Visitors rely heavily on their phones to decide where to eat, shop, and explore, so online visibility is crucial. Step up your mid-summer marketing efforts with a smart digital strategy to reach people where they are—both physically and virtually. 

• Run geotargeted social media ads: Engage tourists near beaches, hotels, and popular attractions with timely, location-based promotions.  

• Be authentic on social media: Share customer reviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and real-time highlights to help travelers discover and remember you.  

• Create vacation-friendly deals: Offer specials designed for visitors’ needs and schedules—such as “Beach Day Bundles” or “Sunset Savings”—and actively advertise them across your website, social media, and targeted ads. 

Collaborate with Other Businesses
Summer success doesn’t have to be a solo effort! Now is an excellent time to partner with neighboring businesses to tap into new audiences you might not reach on your own.  

• Team up with local events: Offer discounts or perks for ticket holders at nearby seasonal festivals or concerts. 

• Co-create experiences: Work with another business to host a joint event or run a shared promotion, and tag each other on social media to extend your reach and boost visibility. 

• Build a neighborhood trail: Join up with shops or restaurants in your area to create a themed route or punch card that encourages visitors to explore multiple businesses. 

Support and Energize Your Staff
Your employees are at the center of your customers’ experience, so their engagement has a direct impact on your business. With summer in full swing, consider ways to recharge your team. 

• Ask for their insights: Encourage staff to share what’s going well and what’s holding the business back—and respond by making thoughtful changes. 

• Show your gratitude: A team lunch, gift card, or handwritten note can go a long way toward boosting morale. 

• Celebrate good work: Use group chats and social media to recognize effort and results. 

Stay on Top of Business Finances
The right financial setup can make it easier to handle peak-season demands and prepare for the slower months ahead. Make sure your systems are working for you, not holding you back. 

• Open a business credit card: Manage cash flow, track spending, and earn rewards while keeping business and personal finances separate. 

• Enhance merchant services: Streamline payment processing across multiple channels—from in-store purchases to online sales and event-based transactions. 

• Take out a business loan: Get funding to help cover seasonal staffing and inventory needs. 

Need a financial partner who understands the pace of seasonal business?
At Excite Credit Union, we understand how busy a Wilmington summer can be—and how crucial it is to have the right financial tools in place. Reach out to our team to explore solutions tailored to your business needs, so you can make the most of every moment this season—and build lasting success that extends well beyond summer.