The StarNews of Wilmington reports some people in the Wilmington area's hotel industry say the season is the strongest since the Great Recession.

 

The general manager of the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Inn, Anne Marie Hartman, says the good numbers are a sign that the economy is starting to improve and people are traveling more.

 

Amy Johnson with the Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina Beach says the hotel has not had to use discounts to attract visitors this year.

 

Room occupancy taxes in new Hanover County were up 27 percent in June compared with the previous year.