This week’s flood of campus tours have an effect on more than just students’ paths to class.
The influx of tourists has a significant impact on business for the University and Chapel Hill.
Andrew Parrish, an undergraduate admissions assistant director, said 8,000 visitors are registered for tours in the next two weeks — and that number may grow.
To accommodate them, there will be four tour times a day for the next two weeks instead of the usual two, said Nestor Ramirez, an admissions ambassador.
Patty Griffin, communications director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, said businesses in Chapel Hill look forward to the spring because of the business it brings.
Jenni Brooks, assistant retail manager at Johnny T-Shirt, said the business always makes sure it has “Carolina” and alumni T-shirts in stock.
“Most people want to leave a college tour with a T-shirt,” she said.
Dennis Wiley, shift manager at Cold Stone Creamery on Franklin Street, said new faces on campus mean new business for them.
And Sam Wright, general manager at McAlister’s Deli, echoed the others’ sentiments. She said business increases in the spring thanks to a combination of tour groups as well as the warmer weather.