CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority has announced the winners of the 13th Annual Partners in Tourism Awards sponsored by Carowinds.
The winners were announced on January 23rd, during an awards breakfast and ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center.
“The Partners in Tourism Awards celebrate the Charlotte region’s businesses and individuals that make unparalleled strides to strengthen our thriving visitor economy,” said CRVA Director of Partnership Kamin Brennan. “Our partners help to curate unique experiences for our city’s visitors that make every trip special. Thanks in no small part to these efforts, Charlotte has seen continued growth each year in visitor spending.”
According to the CRVA, visitors spend $5.4 billion annually in Mecklenburg County and $7 billion in the region, with nearly 10% of the people employed in Charlotte working in hospitality and leisure sectors.
Award winners were nominated by CRVA employees and partners.
Joan Zimmerman, CEO of Southern Shows Inc., was recognized as the third Destination Impact Award winner.
Joan Zimmerman (photo courtesy of Southern Shows Inc.)
The CRVA says, “This award goes to a person who is a powerhouse for the regional tourism industry and visitor economy. This person’s fingerprints can be seen all over the community, with contributions creating ripple effects across our destination—from supporting thousands of jobs to providing unmatched entertainment for both visitors and residents and producing worldwide exposure. The commitment this person has shown to our region inspires vision, sparks curiosity and innovation, and supports its success for years to come.”
Zimmerman founded Southern Shows Inc. with her husband Robert and has been a driving force behind the success of the popular brand.
Other Partners in Tourism Award winners include:
Hospitality Unsung Hero: Ja’nese Stradford, Refresh Assistant Manager, Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
Hospitality Unsung Hero: Gladys Hernandez, Housekeeper, The Duke Mansion
Outstanding Ambassador: Chef Ron Ahlert, Executive Director, Community Culinary School of Charlotte
Hospitality Professional of the Year: Erin Dennis, Sales & Events Coordinator, Hampton Inn & Suites South Park at Phillips Place
Attraction of the Year: Topgolf Charlotte
Full-service Hotel of the Year: Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park
Nightlife/Entertainment Venue of the Year: Queen Park Social
Restaurant of the Year: Haberdish
Retailer of the Year: Charlotte Premium Outlets
Select-service Hotel of the Year: Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown / Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown
Service Provider of the Year: Key Signature Entertainment
Follow the link to find out more about the CRVA Partners in Tourism.
