Memorial Day Weekend creates an economic boost for local business owners

Thousands of people are packing their bags and getting ready to head out for one the biggest holiday weekends and a major hot spot is right in our backyard: Rehoboth Beach. 

But this city isn't just expecting a ton of visitors, they're also expecting a ton of cash to come on through. 

Linda Parkowski, the Director of Division of Small Business tells 47 ABC, "Sussex County is infused on tourism and agriculture and tourism gearing up for it's biggest season."

Governor John Carney is optimistic as well, "We're excited about the start of the summer season, it's really important for the state of Delaware and Sussex County."

The tourism economy is a $3 billion industry in the first state and it's ready to reel in even more with the upcoming holiday. 

We're told in 2016, Delaware had over 9 million visitors and they're expecting even more this year.

"Anytime you bring in out of state money from other states and infuse that into the economy, it's huge for small businesses," Parkowski says. 

And local businesses in Rehoboth Beach are prepping for the influx of out of towners. Dolles Salt Water Taffy says they are stocked up and ready for the upcoming weekend. 

The Ice Cream Store, that's also on the boardwalk, says they are prepping, regardless of running out of waffle cones every single day. 

But visitors are hungry for more because Memorial Day weekend is just the start of what's left to come this summer.