Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Honors Hospitality and Tourism Community at Partners in Tourism Awards
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 22, 2025) – The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) celebrated the winners of the 18th Annual Partners in Tourism Awards at the Charlotte Convention Center. With Charlotte’s tourism and community members gathered, the event honored individuals and businesses driving the region’s thriving visitor economy.
“This event is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It’s not just about the business of tourism—it’s about the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, and the pride we instill in our community,” said Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of the CRVA.
2025 Partners in Tourism Award Winners
Small Business of the Year
Perfectly Wrapped Balloons
Unsung Heroes
Edgar Aguilar, Cook 3 at Charlotte Marriott Southpark
Kenya Golden, Hub Control Center Coordinator at American Airlines
Antoine Sanders, Loss Prevention Officer at Charlotte Marriott City Center
Outstanding Ambassador
Riziki Mastaki, Guest Service Expert at Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark
Erin Mobley-McMillian, Director of Sales at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Hospitality Professional of the Year
Paul Manley, Owner of High Tide Hospitality
Destination Impact Award
U.S. National Whitewater Center
“Through their innovative programming, unique attractions and dedication to community engagement, Whitewater Center has deepened our city’s connection to the outdoors, fostering both local pride and global admiration,” Lori Spratley, CRVA Board Directors Chair, shared regarding Jeff Wise, the Destination Impact Award recipient. “Their work enriches our city’s landscape and invites visitors to experience Charlotte in an entirely unique way.”
Charlotte’s tourism industry reached new heights in 2024, welcoming visitors who contribute an estimated $1.1 billion to the local economy. Of that total, $640.6 million was spent on leisure travel. With 32 million visitors traveling to Charlotte each year, hospitality and tourism continues to be a powerhouse industry representing 1 in 9 jobs.
The Partners in Tourism Awards presented by American Airlines are also supported by Charlotte Motor Speedway (Networking); Encore and Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel (Leaders of Tomorrow) and Atrium Health Global Services, Carolina Crafts on Tap and Live Nation (Supporting).
Award Winners’ Descriptions
Small Business of the Year - Perfectly Wrapped Balloons has been providing a creative touch to corporate celebrations and sporting events ever since. This business was showcased at the Big Balloon Build, an event bringing together the best balloon artists in the world.
The Unsung Hero - Edgar Aguilar, a Cook at Charlotte Marriott Southpark, always has a smile on his face, whether managing his team or on the front lines cooking. His personal touch and attention to detail helped the company receive a perfect score of 100 by events planners.
For more than 20 years, Kenya Golden, an American’s Hub Control Center Coordinator at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, has been a driving force in the aviation industry. She helped to implement gate stability, which reduced gate changes by 65%. Her efforts have also improved overall baggage performance and quality of service.
Antoine Sanders, a Loss Prevention Officer at Charlotte Marriott City Center, has dedicated more than 31 years of service to this industry. He went above and beyond the call of duty when he was walking by the fitness room where he found an unconscious guest. He performed CPR until medics could arrive. Antoine saved this guest’s life.
Outstanding Ambassador - Riziki Mastaki, a Guest Service Expert at Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark, is committed to excellence in hospitality and leaves a memorable impression with whoever she serves. Guests say Mastaki’s energy and smile radiate. She helped the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark become the 2024 Traveler’s Choice winner.
Erin Mobley-McMillian, Director of Sales at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, Mobley-McMillian is the only member of the hotel staff that entertainer Snoop Dogg wants to see. She is always with her dog, Cash Money, who is known as the “resident fashionista.” One executive guest said, “We don’t book the Tryon Park, we book Erin.”
Hospitality Professional of the Year - Paul Manley, Owner of High Tide Hospitality, is an advocate for the advancement of the hospitality industry and is highly respected among their fellow employees, business associates and customers. Following the hurricane in 2024, Manley helped a couple relocate their entire wedding in less than 72 hours. He treats his employees as family even providing them food and resources during the pandemic.
Destination Impact - U.S. National Whitewater Center made a significant impact in the region by providing exposure, jobs for our citizens and countless hours of entertainment for both visitors and residents. They build strong relationships that support a high level of trust and credibility, which in turn contributes to the overall success of the visitor economy.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing, and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com.