Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, the Regatta Commission, and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB) today announced the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta received the Mountain State Award during the Stars of the Industry Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
“It is a tremendous honor for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta to be recognized as an event that stands above the rest by our State Tourism Department,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Our Regatta Team did an incredible job of putting together a robust schedule – making sure the lineup was a mix of past favorites and new ideas – and they worked hard to make sure Regatta’s return was a remarkable success.”
“The overwhelming support from our business community sponsors and the tireless efforts of city workers and volunteers was the catalyst for the success of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta,” said Alisa Bailey, Regatta Commission President. “We have seen, firsthand, the exceedingly positive impact this year’s Regatta has had on both our economy and our image. It is truly an honor for Regatta to be recognized with the Mountain State Award.”
Tourism is such a significant part of the future of Charleston’s economy and there has been no bigger tourism draw in Charleston in the last decade than the 2022 Sternwheel Regatta,” said Tim Brady CCVB President and CEO. “For the West Virginia Division of Tourism to bestow this honor on the event is a testament to the hard work of a lot of people. We’re grateful to the Regatta Commission and the staff and volunteers who made it so successful.”
The 5-day 2022 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta generated $31,507,883 in economic impact, attracted an estimated 210,000 attendees, and directly supported an estimated 5,978 jobs. Of the estimated 210,000 attendees, 71% were local attendees and 29% were out-of-town attendees (traveling from at least 50 miles away). Hotel occupancy is estimated to have been at 95% -- for a total of 15,440 total room nights.
The Mountain State Award recognizes an event or facility that stands above the rest in excellence in programming (types and number of activities for tourists) quality, distinctiveness, marketing efforts and/or attendance and impact on the state’s economy and/or image.
The Stars of the Industry awards are an opportunity for the West Virginia Department of Tourism to recognize industry partners across the state for their achievements in advertising, marketing and public relations, as well as their contributions to the tourism industry in West Virginia.
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