WILMINGTON -- The Air BnB craze may only be a few years old, but it’s already making a big impact on the tourism business in the Cape Fear Region.

Hosts brought in $7.5 million in New Hanover County alone in 2017, according to the latest numbers from the San Francisco-based hospitality company.

“I’ve seen everyone from people who come for the Dawson’s Creek convention, young people. I see a lot of people going to weddings; we’ve become quite a wedding destination,” says AirBnB host Annie Anthony.

The Findings also show the Cape Fear Region as a whole took in $11 million.

For Anthony, this is a great source of income and a way to show off the Wilmington area.

Wilmington council members have held numerous meetings opposing short-term rentals on rules and regulations for people who want to rent out a room.

But some residents believe rentals are good for the area’s economy.

 “I think making people register and having some idea of exactly who’s running AirBnB's is a good thing, but as far as restricting the growth of them, I think that’s a bad thing,” says Wilmington Host committee Chair Harry Smith.

The next planning committee will discuss home stay lodging and whole-house lodging at their Jan. 29 meeting.