Tourism Industry Leaders Honored at CRVA Partners in Tourism Awards
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 24, 2024) – The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has announced the winners of the 17th Annual Partners in Tourism Awards, held at the Charlotte Convention Center. With 575 of Charlotte’s tourism leaders and community members in attendance, the event recognized both individuals and businesses positively shaping the region’s visitor economy.
The region’s tourism industry had an impressive year in 2023, with a record 30.6 million visitors traveling to Charlotte and spending an estimated $7.3 billion in the local community. Of that total, $5.3 billion was spent in Mecklenburg County alone, ranking #1 out of 100 based on visitor spending in North Carolina’s 100 counties. Leisure & Hospitality is the region’s fourth largest industry sector, employing 1 in 9 residents, supporting local businesses and positively impacting quality of life.
“We have some of the most passionate, dedicated and talented people working in our hotels, restaurants, attractions and local businesses whose genuine hospitality and love for the Queen City will keep us moving forward toward our vision to elevate Charlotte to be among the world’s premier urban landscapes,” said Steve Bagwell, CRVA CEO.
The 2023 Partners in Tourism Award winners are:
Destination Impact Award
Fred Whitfield, Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Local Champion
Dynamic Communities
Small Business of the Year
Conder Flag
Queen City Amplifier
The Fillmore Charlotte
Southern Charm Rides
Unsung Hero
Andrew McGomery, Driver, Funny Bus
Diana Hernadez, Executive Housekeeper, Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark
Outstanding Ambassador
Jackie Davis, Customer Service Agent, American Airlines
Dominic Potts, Room Operations Manager, The Westin Charlotte
Hospitality Professional of the Year
John Noonan, Director of Group Sales, Hilton Charlotte University Place
Young Professional
Andrea Franceschelli, Senior Sales & Event Manager, Fahrenheit Charlotte
Bagwell announced Whitfield as the Destination Impact Award recipient saying “No matter whether we win or lose, sports bring people together and that is exactly what this year’s Destination Impact Award recipient does so well. His commitment to improving not just Charlotte’s sports fan base, but our community, has been invaluable to our city.”
The event featured local musical group Sainted Trap Choir, a Season 18 Semi-Finalist on America’s Got Talent (AGT), and current participant in the AGT Fantasy League. The Partners in Tourism Awards were supported by Charlotte Motor Speedway (Networking); Encore, Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel and The Village Tavern (Leaders of Tomorrow); and Atrium Health Global Services, Truliant Federal Credit Union, American Airlines and Upshift (Supporting).
Award Descriptions
Local Champion - Local Champions are individuals who live and work in Charlotte or North Carolina and have been instrumental in collaborating with CRVA’s Sales and Services teams to bring meetings and events to the city that generate an economic impact for the area.
Small Business of the Year - Awarded to a business with fewer than 75 employees and not part of a franchise, for their demonstrated growth in the Charlotte community and impact on our city’s reputation. The business has been operating for more than three consecutive years and consistently contributes their time and resources to make Charlotte a great place to visit.
Queen City Amplifier - Awarded to businesses for noteworthy contributions in advancing travel and tourism in the Charlotte area. Winners believe in generating a positive perception for our region and through their role in supporting tourism, ensured powerful visitor spending efforts that contributed to an economic impact. Award recognizes those well-deserving businesses from different categories of hospitality, including accommodations, attractions, nightlife and entertainment, restaurants, retail and service providers.
Young Professional - This award is presented to an up-and-coming young professional in the tourism industry who has demonstrated qualities of leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Individual must be under 35 years old.
Outstanding Ambassador - The Outstanding Ambassador Award goes to an individual who could be considered the face of outstanding customer service and typically works at the front-of-the-house. The award recipient is committed to excellence in hospitality and leaves a memorable impression with whoever they serve.
The Unsung Hero - The Unsung Hero Award goes to an individual who may not always be seen, but this person often serves in the back-of-the-house and their hard work and commitment can be felt everywhere within the business. Because of their touch and attention, needs are met, visions are exquisitely executed, and every void is filled.
Hospitality Professional of the Year - The Hospitality Professional of the Year is a respected leader. They are an advocate for the advancement of the hospitality industry and are highly respected among their fellow employees, business associates, and customers. This award recipient is engaged in the community and contributes to the overall positive image of the hospitality industry.
Destination Impact - This award goes to an individual who has the unique ability to guide and inspire others. 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. This person has made a significant impact in our region by providing exposure, jobs and opportunities for our citizens, and countless hours of entertainment for both visitors and residents.
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
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