Strategic Goal #2: Use a coordinated approach to strengthen environmental stewardship

The Outer Banks natural setting is cherished, constantly changing, and central to the area’s future. Following the example of those who came before, our decisions and daily actions must keep protecting the beaches, marine life, parks, and wildlife so the destination remains resilient for future generations. A unified approach also helps improve resident quality of life and the overall quality of place for everyone.

2a. Invest in real-time data tools and turn intelligence into targeted outreach and education

• OBVB Role: Lead
• Timeline: 2024 and Ongoing
• Success Metrics: Define behavior-change goals, clarify what data is required, choose and implement the best platform for the work, and provide training and education for staff or third parties so the data can be analyzed and made useful.
• Considerations: A strong marketing and communications effort will be needed so the intelligence can drive action in both targeting and education.
• Desired Result: Use intelligence to inform visitors and residents and help encourage behavior change.

2b. Further the OBX as a recognized leader in outdoor recreation and stewardship amongst established recreation communities

• OBVB Role: Lead + Convener
• Other Organizations: Outdoor recreation companies on the Outer Banks
• Timeline: 2025 and Ongoing
• Success Metrics: Identify key leaders in this area, along with events and competitions they know that OBVB sales staff could pursue.
• Considerations: This work could be strengthened if voluntourism initiatives are already active and can be tailored to event attendees for a more personal experience.
• Desired Result: Improve the destination’s competitiveness and draw visitors who value sustainability.

Progress

August 2025 - For the second consecutive year, OBVB partnered with Outdoor NC to appear in the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide. Featured local trails included the Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 18), Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve, Nags Head Woods Preserve and Town of Duck Boardwalk. Created by Outdoor NC, the guide highlights towns committed to protecting their destination’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while building a strong sense of place. The communities included are advancing destination stewardship, accessible outdoor experiences and responsible recreation so towns and trails can endure for future generations.

August 2024 – Starting in November 2023, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau took part in the Outdoor NC Trail Town Stewardship Pilot Program. Across several months, the OBVB team worked with the Outdoor NC team on subjects including stewardship and accessibility. That effort led to the Outer Banks being included as one of 15 destinations in the new Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide. The guide recognizes North Carolina towns that focus on preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage while cultivating a strong sense of place. The places selected are supporting stewardship, accessible outdoor opportunities and responsible recreation to help sustain towns and trails into the future.

October 2023 – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff participated in the annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, NC. The conference gathers thought leaders, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the nation to learn, explore, and work together on building a sustainable and successful outdoor economy. As the nation’s largest outdoor recreation-focused economic development gathering, the Outdoor Economy Conference is designed to offer a broad understanding of how outdoor recreation, community health, and economic vitality are connected.

2c. Work with environmentally conscious partners on visitor-facing sustainability benchmarks and strategy

• OBVB Role: Convener
• Other Organizations: Environmentally conscious partners
• Timeline: 2025-26
• Success Metrics: Create benchmarks, show progress toward better outcomes, and convert those goals into communication for visitors.
• Considerations: This would be well suited for the sustainability committee later in its work, after the committee has established its purpose and goals rather than as its first priority.
• Desired Result: Determine the shared metrics and processes needed to protect environmental quality.

Progress

August 2024 and Ongoing – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff gathered resident sentiment survey data and feedback about environmental concerns and provided it to the Special Committee's Environmental Stewardship working group. Along with reviewing that information, the working group will start requesting sustainability plans from local municipalities, agencies and non-profit organizations to help identify and prioritize the environmental challenges the Special Committee is working to address and help solve.

February 2024 and Ongoing – The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau joined its first Coastal Environmental Educators Network (CEEN) meeting and discussed the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP), including its connection to environmental sustainability and stewardship. Participants included NC Coastal Federation, NC Aquariums, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Dare County Parks & Recreation, Dare County Soil & Water Department, Dare County Children & Youth Partnership, NOAA Monitor Sanctuary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coastal Refuge Complex, OBX Adventures, Island Farm, Elizabethan Gardens and the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Going forward, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau will continue to take part in these monthly meetings because the group brings together a strong set of environmentally conscious partners for future collaboration.

2d. Support expanded investment in roads, sidewalks and clean mobility for more non-vehicular transportation choices

• OBVB Role: Advocate
• Other Organizations: Dare County
• Timeline: Long-Term
• Success Metrics: Attend Dare County Transportation Advisory Board meetings to gain background and context, secure appointment of a tourism board member to the advisory board, and ultimately encourage the board to create advocacy and legislative agenda items for each level.
• Considerations: Map the boards, committees and organizations active in this area. Subscribe to newsletters or similar notifications, including agendas and meeting notices. Because many of these meetings are public, there is a chance to listen and learn before becoming more directly involved.
• Desired Result: Reduce traffic gridlock, improve pedestrian safety, strengthen local quality of life and grow visitor spending at small local businesses.

Progress

August 2024 – During its August 14 meeting, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee hosted Win Bridgers, Division 1 Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which covers the 14 counties in Northeastern North Carolina, and Ronnie Sawyer, Deputy Division Engineer for Division 1. They shared updates on a range of current and future NCDOT projects in the area. Discussion topics included road resurfacing projects, bridge construction and repairs, transportation studies, ADA ramp installations, pedestrian safety initiatives and funding. The information helped the Special Committee better understand NCDOT priorities, where those priorities intersect with the LRTMP, and how the committee can support and advocate for related initiatives.

2e. Bring together a Sustainability Committee to guide tourism strategies that reduce environmental impacts

• OBVB Role: Lead
• Other Organizations: Industry partners and organizations concerned with sustainability
• Timeline: 2024 and ongoing
• Success Metrics: A committed committee that meets consistently, has well-defined goals, and uses thoughtful measurements to monitor progress.
• Considerations: OBVB leadership is needed at the beginning, though the ideal long-term model is for people within the sustainability and stewardship community to operate it independently, with OBVB participating as one member.
• Desired Result: Ongoing engagement from the community and industry around protecting natural resources.