Visit The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan

Published: May 2023.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau works to bring more leisure, business, and other overnight travel to Dare County’s Outer Banks during the less-than-peak months. Tourism has a substantial economic effect on the community. In 2024, Dare County ranked #4 in North Carolina for visitor spending, with $2.1 billion generated by visitors—behind only Mecklenburg, Wake and Buncombe counties. Nearly half of Dare County’s jobs are connected to the hospitality industry, and residents receive an annual tax savings of $3,860 through collected occupancy and meals taxes.

Tourism’s benefits also come with effects that may be challenging for the community. For that reason, the Bureau’s role has expanded beyond generating visitor-related economic activity. Its work now also focuses on supporting residents’ quality of life, maintaining the quality of place experienced by visitors, protecting the delicate natural environment, and safeguarding the area’s distinctive history and culture.

The Long-Range Tourism Management Plan

The Outer Banks Long Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) was developed through an 18-month initiative launched by the Dare County Tourism Board. The plan was published in May 2023, with execution led by the staff of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau alongside MMGY NextFactor and Tourism Economics.

This comprehensive effort established a special task force and gathered perspectives from hundreds of community stakeholders and thousands of Dare County residents. Its resulting roadmap is intended to guide responsible, sustainable tourism growth over time.

Community participation remains essential as implementation continues. Residents and other community members are encouraged to review the plan and share their feedback and input with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

LRTMP Resources

Visit the Outer Banks Tourism Management Plan | Visitor Strategy page →