North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA) “Tourism Excellence for a Business Award” given to Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
December 9, 2024 - Gaston County, NC - John Searby, Chief Executive Officer of Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, accepted the award on behalf of both organizations at the NCTIA Awards Banquet on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
In October 2023, Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden entered a unique shared services collaboration which allows the organizations to share administrative resources to reduce overhead, create economies of scale, and work closely on shared programmatic areas of emphasis such as environmental education and outdoor recreation. This collaboration strengthens both organizations and provides a unique case study for sustainable tourism.
Through their joint efforts, visitors to Gaston County gain access to a richer, more immersive experience, which appeals to diverse audiences from nature lovers and families to eco-conscious travelers, adding a meaningful dimension to Gaston County tourism.
With a shared focus on environmental education, the partnership encourages locals and tourists alike to understand and appreciate the region’s ecosystems. By providing science-based information, interactive exhibits, and nature trails, they’re inspiring guests to become active participants in conservation, reinforcing the message that Gaston County is a destination that values and protects its natural assets.
Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden exemplify what tourism excellence should look like: a blend of educational value, sustainability, community impact, and memorable visitor experiences. They’re setting a high standard for Gaston County tourism, making them truly worthy of recognition for their achievements and dedication to making Gaston County a destination of choice for tourists and locals alike.
"Congratulations to the entire Catawba Riverkeeper/Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden team, said Michael Applegate Director of Gaston County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, your many outstanding contributions to our local tourism community over the years make you an extremely deserving recipient of this prestigious award." Michael Applegate, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
About Catawba Riverkeeper
Catawba Riverkeeper is the only non-profit, on-the-water advocate for the entire 8,900 miles of waterways in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. They provide accurate, science-based information about your water and the issues affecting it.
About Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden provides guests a chance to reconnect with nature in all seasons. The breathtaking Visitor Pavilion welcomes visitors to 30 acres of spectacular gardens including a children’s garden, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, the dry Piedmont Prairie, annual and perennial displays, sparkling fountains, and more. Beyond the formal garden, visitors can explore the nearly 6 miles of trails, including a two-mile section of the Duke Kimbrell Trail on the banks of Lake Wylie, or make a stop off at the Trailhead Store and enjoy 1/3-acre dog park.
###
