Responsible Tourism and Livability Forum with Bloomberg and City of Charleston

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Historic Charleston Foundation is partnering with the City of Charleston, Bloomberg Associates, and Explore Charleston to help launch the Future of Livability and Responsible Tourism Initiative at a public forum on May 20^th at The Charleston Museum from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

“This initiative will clarify a long-term vision, combined with short-term solutions, for responsible tourism that focuses on residents, the local economy, and the tourism industry — embodying respect for the unique culture and historic fabric of our city,” says Winslow Hastie, Historic Charleston Foundation President and CEO.

Founded in 2014, Bloomberg Associates, the philanthropic consulting arm of Bloomberg Philanthropies, works at no cost with city leaders around the world to help solve complex urban challenges. George Fertitta, the CEO of Bloomberg Associates, along with his colleague Gordon Innes, will personally lead this tourism initiative in Charleston.

As the first city in the country to develop a comprehensive tourism management plan, Charleston is reflecting on its historic successes while considering fresh, innovative strategies from the perspective of its residents in the face of increased visitation. Bloomberg will review local data and conduct research on effective case studies from around the country and the world to help direct their findings.

This FREE program will be held at The Charleston Museum and is open to the public with registration. There will be opportunities for audience input, and the program will be followed by a short reception outside the auditorium. Registration is required as space is limited.

This Forum will include the following speakers:

George Fertitta served from 2006 to 2013 as CEO of NYC & Company, a private non-profit marketing agency that operates as New York City’s advertising, tourism, convention sales, partnerships and licensing organization. Under Fertitta’s leadership, the organization significantly expanded its overseas presence through a network of 18 offices serving 25 countries around the globe. It developed a new web portal, and created numerous corporate sponsorship programs and marketing campaigns to promote visitation to all areas of New York City. As a result, domestic visitation increased 50%, international visitation increased 100%, and market share of overseas travel to the U.S. grew from 28% to 33%, generating an additional $5 billion annually. The tourism sector is now New York’s third-largest industry, welcoming a record-breaking 54.3 million visitors in 2013 and contributing over $60 billion to the city’s economy. Before entering public service, Fertitta was founder and chairman of a major marketing and advertising agency with a range of clients in the U.S. and abroad.
Gordon Innes joined Bloomberg Associates in January 2017. Prior to joining Bloomberg Associates, Gordon was the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of London & Partners, the UK capital’s official promotional and economic development company. Under Gordon’s leadership, the company attracted investment and spend which contributed £1.2bn GVA to the London economy, creating more than 38,000 jobs. From 2011 to 2016, the company experienced 50% growth, increased non-grant revenue from 20% to 50% and delivered a return-on-investment to the city of 18:1. It contributed to London becoming the world’s most popular visitor destination, with tourism numbers growing 20% and spend growing 35%. London also rose from 19th to 5th in international congress city rankings. Further, the city retained its position as the No. 1 destination for foreign direct investment and international students. The company was twice voted one of the UK’s 100 best, not-for-profit companies to work for. Gordon has also held senior positions in UK national government — developing the government’s low carbon industrial strategy, leading the creation of the UK Green Investment Bank, and spearheading the Government’s trade and foreign direct investment efforts in the U.S. Before entering public service, Gordon worked as a solicitor in both England and Australia.
Kate D. Levin served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs from 2002 to 2013. Managing the largest single arts funder in the U.S. outside of the federal government, she increased the number of non-profit cultural organizations receiving support and grant awards both by more than 30%, as well as creative sector participation in economic development, tourism, human service and education initiatives. During her tenure, capital funding recipients tripled, expanding the agency’s oversight of planning, design, and financing for cultural construction projects — directing over $3 billion for projects in neighborhoods across the city. Technology improvements streamlined application procedures and data collection, and capacity-building programs strengthened non-profit leadership. Levin oversaw the city’s permanent public art commissioning program, and helped develop and promote numerous temporary exhibitions and performances. She worked to create several new cultural districts and organizations, extending New York’s vitality and impact as a world cultural capital. A former Professor of English at the City College of New York, CUNY, Levin also served in the administration of Mayor Ed Koch.