The Outer Banks Promise destination pledge

The Outer Banks Promise is a pledge for the destination, created to encourage responsible choices and greater respect for the area’s local culture and natural environment. Its purpose is to motivate people to take small, meaningful actions that help safeguard this place for future generations.

The Outer Banks is a remarkable natural wonder, a place tied to historic accomplishments and a distinctive way of life that has endured for generations. Keeping it that way takes shared care: watching out for each other, staying aware and ready, and working together to protect the place we love. The promise asks everyone to:

• Experience this landscape of history and inspiration with kindness and appreciation.
• Turn what-ifs into readiness.
• Bring out whatever you bring in, and leave no trace behind.
• Explore with curiosity while staying on roads and paths.
• Enjoy the beach while respecting the ocean.
• Be a wildlife star by viewing animals safely from a distance.
• Support local, because small actions can create big impacts.

Background on The Outer Banks Promise

As described in Goal #1 of the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP)—Strengthen Resident and Visitor Engagement—one strategic recommendation called for creating a destination pledge that would express the Outer Banks’ core values around responsible behavior.

During its April 18, 2024 meeting, the Dare County Tourism Board approved the Special Committee's draft of The Outer Banks Promise.

The Outer Banks Promise is a voluntary commitment designed to support responsible tourism and protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Outer Banks. The region is known for diverse and fragile ecosystems, unique historical significance, and a special way of life that has been supported for generations. The pledge encourages both residents and visitors to help protect it.

Several destinations around the world have developed similar pledges, especially in recent years. Examples include:

• Aspen, CO
• Bend, OR
• Big Sur, CA
• Finland
• Iceland
• Hawaii (Pledge to Our Keiki)
• Kauai, HI
• Sedona, AZ
• Telluride, CO

What a destination pledge means

Destination pledges are initiatives that invite travelers to commit to responsible behaviors while visiting a place.

What destination pledges are meant to do

Destination pledges are intended to:

• Connect with visitors emotionally so they feel inspired to care about the destination.
• Ask visitors to take action instead of simply reading guidelines.
• Encourage people to make their promises public by signing and submitting the pledge.

The long-term purpose of a pledge

The long-term goal of a destination pledge is to positively shape behavior over time, including encouraging deeper respect for the natural environment and local culture while also supporting visitor safety.