DELAWARE – Leaders in Delaware say it’s full steam ahead as the new year rolls around for the tourism industry that brings even international audiences to the First State.
For Sussex County, a local hub for summertime travel, last year saw a continuous build of tourists, according to Southern Delaware Tourism Executive Director Scott Thomas.
“That hasn’t really changed, even with the pandemic because everyone wanted to get outside and we have great outdoor destinations. What we’d like to focus on now is promoting holiday travel and year-round events which are really growing,” Thomas told the Delaware Business Times.
Although Sussex County can no longer boast the infamous World Championship Pumpkin Chunkin event, he noted several other incredibly popular events that happen year after year in the off season, such as the Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach in the fall and the Fire and Ice Festival in the Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island area in the winter.
“These are the types of events that help make the area sustainable year-round, not just during the heat of the summer months. We’re expecting and looking forward to another vibrant year in 2025-2026,” Thomas said. “We’re also looking to promote our area to other audiences whose travels may not be strictly leisure-based. They may be looking for team building activities, incentive travel and things like that which we can do here, especially in that fall to springtime frame before our busiest months arrive.”
Another key offering also helps the southern-most county in the state standout – its food options.
“We’re raising the culinary coastline flag,” Thomas said proudly. “We have these incredibly talented chefs from New York City that set up shop there and that’s a story we continue to invest in.”
At the northern end of the state, Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jennifer Boes said the year held continued strong interest for its gardens, classy restaurants and other gems in the Brandywine valley.
“We’re looking forward to building on what we’ve been doing which is a lot of year round travel; we see a lot of folks for business or sports tourism travel. I think it will be a good year for tourism, starting with the food scene,” Boes said.
But when it comes to big draws in the future, she and Thomas both pointed to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of independence. Historic New Castle celebrates Separation Day, or the day when Delaware officially declared its own independence, with a festival. In Sussex County, Thomas believes the unique attractions like the Zwaanedael Museum in Lewes and historical tours of the Delaware Seashore State Park which offers historical tours can serve as a draw.
Kent County is similarly well poised for the momentous occasion to bring history to the forefront through tourism, citing spots such as Dover which is where Delaware became the first state to sign the U.S. Constitution. The town can also lay claim to the John Dickinson Plantation which is the early childhood home of the “Penman of the Revolution,” as well as the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
“I think Delaware is getting ready to tell its stories for the anniversary celebration and I think that will be a really big international opportunity as people come into hubs at Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.,” Thomas said.
The greater Wilmington area can also boast of its ease of driving time to Philadelphia, which may come in handy when FIFA World Cup arrives to the city for six games.
“Since we’re so close and we don’t have sales tax, we’re the obvious choice for the overflow in travelers,” Boes said.
University of Delaware’s Courtyard by Marriott General Manager William Sullivan said the state has worked hard to prepare for an increase in tourism, whether it be via the 250th anniversary of the country, sports tourism or other hot ticket celebrations.
“I think we’re seeing good growth in travel in particular and there’s growth in new hotels in all three counties. I wouldn’t call it a business boom, but it’s a very moderate building of hotels in Delaware to support the industry,” Sullivan told DBT. “We’ve been adding capacity and that’s a good sign. We’ve also kept lodging taxes reasonable and continue to grow other amenities such as sports and by bringing different markets to the table. What we see now is everyone trying to balance out all of the seasons which will benefit the long term residents as they continue to seek jobs in tourism.”
Ultimately, Sullivan, who has watched the tourism industry ebb and flow over several decades, said the growth is on a steady incline, a positive trajectory for travelers, locals and businesses alike.
“I think we’re strong and the government is supportive. I know [Gov.-elect] Matt Meyer was very supportive of tourism in New Castle County and believe he’ll be the same way for the state. I think the investors building these hotels are confident in the return and Delaware’s future, as well,” he added.
