2024 CHARLESTON STERNWHEEL REGATTA GENERATED NEARLY $40M IN ECONOMIC IMPACT, ATTRACTED AN ESTIMATED 235K ATTENDEES
View >> 2024 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Visitation Analytics
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(Charleston, W. Va.) – Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined the members of the Sternwheel Regatta Commission and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to announce the 2024 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta generated $38.8M in total economic impact and attracted an estimated 235,000 attendees to the Capital City. Additionally, they announced the dates for next year’s Regatta, which will take place July 3-6, 2025.
“The annual Charleston Sternwheel Regatta has become a focal point for tourism and economic development—drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors who contribute to our local economy, promoting the unique culture and hospitality that define our community, and serving as a powerful catalyst for continued growth,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back July 3-6, 2025 to celebrate Regatta’s fourth year back!”
Based on data from the Charleston CVB, 22% of Regatta attendees traveled from more than 50 miles away. Visitation from Pittsburgh, PA – the second largest origin market for visitors – grew by 20% from 2023 to 2024. Rounding out the top five origin markets were Beckley-Bluefield, WV; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Parkersburg, WV; and Clarksburg-Weston, WV. In addition, the event supported an estimated 9,729 jobs.
“We always say that tourism is economic development, and this report underscores that notion,” said Tim Brady, President and CEO of Charleston CVB. “Tourism supports jobs and brings new money into our community. At the CVB we use this data to help guide our strategies. As we see visitation grow from particular areas, like Pittsburgh with this report, we will invest more resources into marketing in those areas.”
This year’s Charleston Sternwheel Regatta marks the third year since the event returned to the riverfront in 2022. Since then, Regatta has featured nationally and internationally known acts, Sternwheel Races, professional wrestling, a hot dog eating contest, two parades, fireworks, a carnival, and more.
“There is no greater joy than our beloved Charleston Sternwheel Regatta where we embrace the opportunity to showcase the beauty and warmth of our Capital City, while also demonstrating the remarkable and successful economic impact this event continues to generate,” said Andy Richardson, Regatta Commission President. “Not only does the Regatta foster a sense of pride and community among our residents, but it also leaves visitors with a lasting impression of our city’s charm and hospitality.”
Twenty sternwheel boats attended the 2024 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta – with the furthest traveling 245 river miles.
“The event in Charleston has led to a resurgence of interest in the Sternwheel boats and how they operate. More and more people are curious about them, and we couldn’t be happier as an association,” said Dana Dement, President of the American Sternwheel Association. “The trips to Charleston have inspired the boats to travel farther than we have in many years. We can’t wait for next year and we surely can’t wait for the 5th anniversary of the return, and our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026!”
The economic impact was calculated by the CVB using the Destinations International Event Economic Impact Calculator.
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ABOUT ECONOMIC IMPACT CALCULATIONS
Economic impact calculations are estimates of an event’s overall effect on the economy of an area. They are not revenue reports. Rather, they measure the effects that visitor and attendee spending have on local businesses and the population at large. As attendees and visitors spend money, local businesses and their employees are positively affected. All of this benefits the local economy through increased income, increased spending, and increased tax collections. These are the contributing factors to economic impact.
