Explore Charleston Recognizes Leaders in Travel and Hospitality

Press Release

More than 400 business and civic leaders gathered today at the Gaillard Center for Explore Charleston’s annual meeting. Guests heard travel industry insights from keynote speaker Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Awards were presented to seven recipients for distinguished service to local tourism development.

Freeman, who oversees the leading advocacy organization for the nation’s $1.1 trillion travel and hospitality industry, spoke about the importance of establishing the travel industry as both essential and responsible.

He called the industry’s positive economic and social impacts “staggering” and referenced that tourism accounts for one in ten U.S. jobs. Speaking to responsibility, Freeman noted, “This is an industry from a corporate and destination standpoint that has put sustainability at the top of its list.”

Freeman went on to discuss several other U.S. Travel initiatives, including efforts to  improve the efficiency and passenger experience of U.S. air travel. While acknowledging the success of leisure travel post pandemic, he emphasized the importance of continued support for international, business, and group travel recovery.

The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis recently reported the total economic impact of the visitor industry in the Charleston area grew to a record $12.82 billion in 2022. The percentage of countywide sales attributable to tourism increased to 23.6%. Over 51,000 local residents, more than ever before, now work in the industry.

“Economic impact reaching an all-time high for our region demonstrates the travel industry’s resilience and significance to the community. Tourism-generated revenue is essential to state and local governments and has a positive ripple effect for the place we’re fortunate to call home,” said John LaVerne, Founder of Bulldog Tours and Chair of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors.

 “Quality of life for local residents is critical to tourism’s success. That’s why our work at Explore Charleston focuses on destination marketing and destination management, which includes sustainability,” continued LaVerne. “Sustainability is about maintaining a sense of place, preserving our culture and heritage, and protecting the incredible resources that make this region so special.”

The Lawrimore-Craven Leadership Award and six Golden Pineapple Awards were presented. Since Explore Charleston’s inception in 1985, the Awards have recognized individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication and commitment to the Charleston region’s travel and tourism industry.

Kathy Crawford, former Regional Director for U.S. Senator Tim Scott, received the Lawrimore-Craven Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding leadership in government and committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.

The 2023 Golden Pineapple recipients include:

• Croghan’s Jewel Box, recognized for their long-time service and support of King Street and the Charleston area.

• Robbin Knight, Owner of Robbin Knight Photography, recognized for outstanding service to Explore Charleston and the hospitality industry.

• John LaVerne, Founder of Bulldog Tours and Chair of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors, recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.

• Nancy Weber, Executive Vice President of Dotdash Meredith, recognized for outstanding service to the Family Circle Cup (now the Credit One Charleston Open,) as well as the Gather and Illumination Charleston events.

• Randy Capps, Events Manager at Low Country Parks Venues, recognized for committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry and 10 years of outstanding service to Explore Charleston.

• Jenny Peppler, Special Events & Projects Manager at Explore Charleston, recognized for committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry and 10 years of outstanding service to Explore Charleston.

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