As the summer tourism season approaches, Oak Island businesses are eager for an influx of visitors that were kept away by COVID-19 restrictions last year.
Many are already seeing a major difference compared to last year.
“Our phones are ringing off the hook,” said Toni Henri, with the Beach House Motel & Suites. “Definitely more people are ready to get out and travel. I mean, it s hard to keep away from the beach.”
When Oak Island beaches were shut down by COVID-19 last year, it could have been devastating for the local tourist economy.
Oak Island Restaurant owner Mary Sigmon said she was only carried through that summer by local clientele cultivated over 22 years, who made an extra effort to support the mom and pop shop.
As the summer tourism season approaches, Oak Island businesses are eager for an influx of visitors that were kept away by COVID-19 restrictions last year.