North Carolina closes its doors to tourism in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

08-10-24

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued a strong message in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Helene: ‘This is no time for tourists’. The storm, which caused severe damage in the region, has forced authorities to prioritise the safety of residents and focus all efforts on recovery in the affected areas.

Hurricane Helene made heavy landfall, leaving in its wake flooding, power outages and damage to key infrastructure, especially in coastal areas, which are often the state's main tourist attractions. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in several areas, and rescue and reconstruction efforts are in full swing. In this context, tourism has taken a back seat as the priority is to ensure the safety of residents and restore basic services.

Governor Cooper was emphatic in requesting that tourists refrain from travelling to the region until conditions are safe again. ‘We appreciate the support and interest in visiting North Carolina, but at this time, our communities need space to recover,’ Cooper told a news conference.