Kansas City, MO – Visit KC is proud to announce George Guastello, President & CEO, Union Station Kansas City, is this year’s recipient of the Visit KC Tourism Icon Award that will be bestowed to him at its Annual Tourism Outlook on September 20 at The Midland Theatre. The Tourism Icon Award recognizes a Kansas City visionary who furthers the mission and ideals of Visit KC.
“I am excited to announce that George Guastello is the 2023 Visit KC Tourism Icon Award recipient, said Kathy Nelson, President & CEO of Visit KC. “George's contributions via his leadership at Union Station Kansas City draws people from across the country, enhancing our city’s image and brand. Exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions, such as Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away, Union Station’s commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to youth and the unparalleled contribution to our community by hosting our sports events and celebrations, assist in driving not only awareness for our destination but contributes to the positive trajectory of the travel and tourism industry. As the official travel and tourism authority for our region, Visit KC proudly supports local attractions for the role they play as KC’s unique offerings – as well as fueling an important segment of our economy.”
Since 2008, George has been President and CEO of Union Station Kansas City where he is responsible for operation, management, and growth of the Station. George’s contributions to the overall economic impact for the community have been extensive during his tenure including, but not limited to:
Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away: The Exhibition - More than 318,000 people from all 50 states and 10 countries attended the exhibit.
Union Station’s decade long partnership with Burns & McDonnell and their commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in the internationally recognized Science City.
Union Station’s continued community involvement shines through every World Series and Super Bowl Championship celebration and most recently playing host to the 2023 NFL Draft, not to mention the numerous collegiate sports tournaments amplified by Union Station’s visual voice.
George Guastello, President & CEO of Union Station Kansas City said, “I am honored to accept Visit KC’s Tourism Icon Award at this year’s Annual Tourism Outlook event. Of course, this recognition must be shared with Union Station’s Board of Directors and our entire professional team. It truly does take every one of us to keep Kansas City’s historic home vital and vibrant for our bi-state region. Visit KC – the heartbeat of regional tourism - is responsible for promoting our entire area as a top-of-mind travel destination for leisure, convention, and group tour audiences. It is a privilege to collaborate with Visit KC to establish Kansas City as a world-class destination.”
Prior to joining Union Station Kansas City, Guastello held the roles of President & CEO for the American Royal Association, Vice President of Marketing & Business Strategy for the Starlight Theatre Association and Senior Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Development for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Guastello sits on several community boards including Visit KC’s Board of Directors.
Visit KC’s Annual Tourism Outlook event, held Sept. 20 at The Midland Theatre, provides a look at the travel industry through industry insights and celebrates highlights from a monumental year of tourism for Kansas City. Limited availability. Secure your tickets now at the Annual Tourism Outlook website.
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About Visit KC
Headquartered in Downtown Kansas City, Visit KC is the chief hospitality sales and marketing organization for the region. Core to its mission is advancing the quality of life of Kansas City and ensuring the sustainability of its community. Visit KC collaborates with nearly 1,000 community partners to drive the marketing, sales and service of the destination’s convention and tourism industry—a sector that supports more than 41,000 local jobs and $1.8 billion in wages. Visit KC positions Kansas City as a visitor and conference destination to drive leisure and convention business, welcome & connect travelers, promote local businesses and support local events with tourism generating $5.3 billion in annual economic impact for the region. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
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