Business and civic leaders gathered today at the Charleston Gaillard Center for Explore Charleston’s annual meeting. The program featured keynote remarks by Sid Evans, Editor-In-Chief of Southern Living. Awards were presented to 10 recipients for distinguished service to local tourism development.
Evans spoke about Southern Living readers' longstanding affection for the Charleston region and how both the destination and the magazine have evolved together over the years. He encouraged attendees to never lose sight of their role as caretakers of the Charleston community. “You have something very special and inspiring here, not just for the people of this city, but for the people of this country.”
Closing with references to the community's reputation for hospitality and a spirit of collaboration, Evans challenged attendees with the question: “What are you doing to keep the promise of Charleston?”
In his remarks, Dan Battista, Chairman of Explore Charleston's Board of Governors and Executive Vice President and Southeast Regional Leader of Lowe Hospitality Group, reinforced the message that travel is essential to the region’s economy, culture and quality of life. He noted that tourism’s benefits reach every corner of the community and that the region’s continued success as a destination strengthens South Carolina's reputation on the world stage, generating positive impacts across the state.
Battista closed with an important reminder: “As we look ahead, we know that success is never guaranteed. It must be earned every day through the experiences we create, the hospitality we extend, and the stewardship we demonstrate for the place we call home.”
The travel industry in the Greater Charleston Area grew in economic impact to a record $14.4 billion in 2025. This growth was produced by a modest increase in total visitors coupled with more substantial growth in average visitor spending, reflecting continued progress towards Explore Charleston's goal of attracting high-value visits and maximizing downstream benefits for the community and its residents, not promoting mass visitation.
Tourism continued to account for a very sizable share of the overall economy - 24% of all sales - and a record 55,500 Greater Charleston Area residents were employed within the region’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Helen Hill, President and CEO of Explore Charleston, recognized industry leaders with Golden Pineapple awards, which have been given annually since Explore Charleston’s inception in 1985.
The 2026 recipients include:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Charleston International Airport, recognized for their committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.
- Lowcountry Hotels, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and Spiritline Cruises, recognized for their roles in organizing and hosting the National Tour Association’s annual conference, NTA Contact, as well their committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.
- Middleton Place Foundation and Bennett Hospitality, recognized for their committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, recognized for their 50th anniversary.
- Doug Warner, recognized for his auctioneer excellence and his committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.
- Nay Middleton, recognized for 10 years of outstanding service to the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and her committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.
- Katharine Coons, recognized for 10 years of outstanding service to the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and her committed service and dedication to the quality growth of the hospitality industry.