Vision Statement
Become a nationally-recognized, model historic riverfront destination that drives significant economic impact for Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County and welcomes visitors with world class hospitality and experiences.
Mission Statement
Promote overnight visitation that drives economic impact through destination marketing and enhancement of the visitor experience in Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County.
Brand Promise
Elizabeth City is small town offering big experiences and even bigger memories. We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the peace and southern charm our Harbor of Hospitality has to offer. From passionate, friendly locals to homegrown experiences in art, dining, music and more, our waterfront community offers a unique, refreshing and reinvigorating experience for all kinds of visitors. Our town has been a vital part of northeastern North Carolina since our founding in 1793 and continues to be an economic, educational, health care and cultural hub for the region with a rich history and exciting future to match. We promise to welcome visitors from all walks of life to come and enjoy a respite from the chaos of the day-to-day.
Visit Elizabeth City is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International as of May 25, 2021. The accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of standards that span a variety of performance areas to gain this momentous achievement.
FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
To view the Strategic Plan
CLICK HERE
FY 2025-2026 Marketing Plan
To view the Strategic Plan
CLICK HERE
TDA Board Composition
The TDA is made up of nine board members:
One Pasquotank County Commissioner, one City of Elizabeth City Councilor, two hotel/motel industry representatives recommended by the hotel/motel industry and appointed by the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners, one City of Elizabeth City appointment appointed by the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners on recommendation of the City of Elizabeth City, three Pasquotank County appointments,one representative of the hotel/motel industry based on a joint recommendation of the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, and the Pasquotank County Finance Director is an ex-officio board member.
Funding
The TDA is funded by a six percent occupancy tax collected monthly.
The first three percent is broken down into three parts to be used to support the mission:
- Fifty percent to promote travel and tourism
- Twenty five percent for tourism related expenditures recommended by the City Council of Elizabeth City and approved by the TDA.
- Twenty five percent for tourism related expenditures recommended by the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners and approved by the TDA.
- The second three percent is divided into two parts. The TDA must use two-thirds of the funds to promote travel and tourism and shall use the remainder for tourism-related expenditures.
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Tourism Development Authority | 2024-2025 Board of Directors
Clifford Shaw
Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners
Johnnie Walton
Elizabeth City City Council
Kelly Boyd
The Pepperberry Inn
Donnie Markham
Moonbeam Properties LLC / MAHJK Properties LLC
Holly Audette
The Culpepper Inn
James DuBose, Jr.
ECSU, Director of Athletics
Sy Davis
Elizabeth City, At Large Representative
Dean Schaan
Seven Sounds Brewing Company
Claudia Twiford
Taylor Mueller Realty
Sparty Hammett
Pasquotank County Finance Director
– Ex Officio
