GWBS Wins State Tourism Award! Woo Hoo!

Hilton Head Island — The best of the best in hospitality, marketing and rural tourism were recognized at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel recently.

The Charles A. Bundy Award, an award that recognizes contributions to rural tourism in South Carolina, was given to the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show.

The show began in 1993 by a group of local business people who wanted to improve business in downtown Georgetown. For the past two decades, this event has continued to build its economic impact on the community.

Local hotels, for example, experienced a 50 percent increase in accommodations revenues during the boat show weekend, and restaurants along Front Street have seen a 45 percent spike in revenue.

The real impact, however, has gone far beyond business.

The festival has helped revitalize two historic buildings, and continues to play a pivotal role in the development of the South Carolina Maritime Museum.

In the wake of the devastating fire on Front Street last September, the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show became a rallying point for the community to move forward and overcome the challenges brought by the tragedy.

Read the South Strand News Article