Panama City Beach Boosts Tourism with Exciting Leadership Promotions!

Panama City Beach, Florida, USA - In a fresh stride toward boosting tourism, Visit Panama City Beach has announced three executive promotions designed to elevate the local tourism landscape. These appointments reflect not only individual achievements but also the dedication to enhancing the area’s charm as a prime destination for leisure and events.

Patrick Stewart has been elevated to vice president of special events, a role that allows him to leverage his extensive background in tourism and event management. A U.S. Navy veteran and Florida State University Panama City graduate, Stewart’s journey began as an intern at Visit Panama City Beach. Over the years, he has climbed the ladder from sports marketing and special events coordinator to director of special events, showcasing a trajectory filled with robust industry credentials, including qualifications as a Sports Tourism Strategist and a Certified Festival and Events Executive.

Meanwhile, Kristen Krasinskas has stepped into the role of director of sports marketing. With a rich history of collaboration with major sports organizations such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and New England Revolution, Krasinskas brings a wealth of experience to the table. Armed with a degree in sports management from Springfield College, she will spearhead initiatives to bolster Panama City Beach’s standing in the sports tourism arena.

Reinforcing Sports Tourism

Chris O’Brien also received a promotion, now serving as vice president of sports marketing. Having dedicated nearly a decade to Visit Panama City Beach and boasting over 20 years in tourism marketing, O’Brien’s credentials include a master’s degree in sport management from Florida State University. His experience positions him to continue developing the region’s sports tourism strategies and partnerships effectively.

These changes come at a fruitful time for Panama City Beach, which has recently been recognized for its contributions to the national economy through sports tourism. According to Visit Panama City Beach, this coastal haven was part of the 2024 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, contributing over $1.88 billion nationally and hosting four significant winning events, more than any other city in the nation. The lineup included the 2024 USFA Fastpitch World Series, which alone generated a striking $23.52 million in economic impact, alongside other major events like the USSSA Baseball Global & AA World Series and the Edgewater Gymnastics Classic 2024, attracting a whopping 39,128 visitors across 953 teams.

As highlighted by Sports Destination Management, these events not only serve as a boon for local businesses but also reinforce Panama City Beach’s role as a center for sports tourism. Each event contributes significantly to the local economy through hotel stays, restaurant patronage, and shopping—creating a thriving environment for guests and locals alike.

A Bright Future Ahead

Dan Rowe, CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, shared his gratitude for the recognition, reinforcing the vital role that such events play in shaping the area’s economic landscape. The acknowledgment from Sports Destination Management illustrates the importance of sports events to the community, weaving a narrative of growth and potential for the years to come. Full details of the winners will be celebrated in the forthcoming November/December issue of Sports Destination Management, offering further insight into how these initiatives are reshaping the local tourism scene.

With strong leadership in place and a robust schedule of sports events on the horizon, the future for Panama City Beach looks particularly bright. As the tourism industry continues to flourish, there’s something to be said for the combination of hard work, strategic planning, and a little bit of beachside charm.

For more details about these promotions, check out the full coverage on News Herald. Additionally, learn more about the economic impacts from Visit Panama City Beach and how the area is leading in the sports tourism sector by visiting Sports Destination Management.