The welcome centers of Currituck County, the co-director of the NC Pickle Festival, and a 77-year old vacation rental agency were presented the 2023 Tourism Impact Awards at the annual North Carolina Coast Host meeting. The annual meeting was hosted by Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery, Elizabethtown, and the White Lake Chamber of Commerce.
“We were pleased to present awards to our highest tourism award to those who have made a tremendous impact on our industry,” said Salem Clarke, president of NC Coast Host and the Tourism Director of Onslow County.
According to Tameron Kugler, director of the Currituck Department of Travel and Tourism, said the welcome centers staff greet visitors, provide information, and dog treats to those who stop by the Currituck centers.
Julie Beck, the co-director of the NC Pickle Festival and the director of the Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce, was presented the Central Tourism Impact Award. A world traveler, Beck has welcomed thousands of visitors to the NC Pickle Festival for the last 30 years. An instructor at Mt. Olive University, Beck has been a featured speaker on topics such as festival planning and festival safety.
Ward Realty of the Greater Topsail Area is one of the original developers of Topsail Island. In its third generation of leadership, Ward Realty specializes in real estate and vacation rentals. The company is 77 years old and has provided generations with vacation memories on Topsail Island.
NC Coast Host is a membership organization that represents the counties, towns, attractions, and lodging east of I-95. The organization provides members with visibility through marketing on the website, https://www.coasthost-nc.com, coop advertising, networking, and sharing of best practices.
For more information about NC Coast Host, contact NC Coast Host President Salem Clarke at 910-347-3141.
