Celebrating Destination Professionals Day
- Brandon Black
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
On February 19, 1896, a small group of civic leaders met at Detroit’s Cadillac Hotel with a bold idea: if they could work together to attract conventions and visitors, they could bring new life and opportunity to their growing city. That simple but powerful vision sparked the creation of the world’s first destination organization and laid the foundation for an industry that now fuels economic growth and community vitality across the globe.
This February 19, 2026 as we recognize Destination Professionals Day, we honor the people who carry that legacy forward, right here in Gaston County, North Carolina.
The People Behind the Places We Love
When most people think about travel and tourism, they picture hotels, restaurants, attractions or busy convention centers. What they don’t always see is the coordinated effort that makes it all work: the destination professionals who promote our community, attract events, support local businesses and help ensure visitors – as well as residents – have memorable experiences.
Here in Gaston County, the team at GoGastonNC plays a critical role in strengthening our economy and elevating our quality of life. They work every day to position our community as a destination of choice. From recruiting sporting events and assisting meeting planners to partnering with local businesses on marketing efforts that spotlight our outdoor recreation, arts and local flavor, their impact reaches far beyond tourism.
Visitor Impact
Domestic and international visitors spent a record $389 million in Gaston County in 2024, a 10.3% increase over the previous year, according to an annual study commissioned by VisitNC and prepared by Tourism Economics. That spending supports more than 2,471 local jobs and generated $92.24 million in payroll, along with $15.3 million in state tax revenue and $9.65 million in local taxes. Gaston County now ranks 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties in visitor spending, a strong reflection of the collaboration between attractions, lodging partners, restaurants, retailers, and recreation providers who help make the destination welcoming and competitive year after year.
A Global Industry with Local Power
Today, more than 10,000 destination organizations worldwide help power a travel and tourism sector that employs nearly 348 million people and contributes roughly 10% of global GDP. But the influence of this industry is felt most strongly at the local level.
Every visitor who chooses Gaston County – whether for a tournament, a conference, a family trip or a cultural experience – supports small businesses, creates tax revenue that eases the burden on residents and helps our community grow and prosper in sustainable and meaningful ways. And the money spent locally supports restaurants, theaters and the arts and other attractions that our residents enjoy – and that might not exist without income from visitors.
Why Destination Professionals Day Matters
This is a chance to:
Raise awareness of the vital role destination organizations play in economic development and community well-being.
Celebrate the professionals whose creativity, collaboration, and dedication keep our region competitive.
Inspire the next generation of destination leaders by highlighting the diverse and rewarding career paths within this field.
As we mark the 130th anniversary of the world’s first destination organization, we also look to a future in which Gaston County continues to thrive. By making our community attractive to visitors, we encourage them to consider it a place to work, live and invest.
A Call to Celebrate Our Community
On February 19, we invite residents, partners and civic leaders to join us in celebrating Destination Professionals Day. Recognize the people whose work helps tell our community’s story. Share your pride on social media. Highlight the moments and experiences that make Gaston County special.
Gaston County is more than a point on a map. It is the sum of our stories, our hospitality, and the people who make this place feel unique.
