< Previous GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 29 Maritime OverviewCRUISEGalveston Wharves has bragging rights as the only cruise home port in Texas and the fourth busiest in North America. The port expects to host more than 1 million cruise passengers in 2019. Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean are among the major cruise lines that call the Galveston Wharves home.After 20 years, the port’s cruise business is still growing, with plans for Royal Caribbean to build a $100 million terminal for its world-class cruise ships at Pier 10. CHARTING A COURSE FOR STRONG GROWTHGalveston Wharves is implementing a 20-year Strategic Master Plan to chart a course for a strong future. This detailed plan will give the port a sustainable, viable vision and direction guided by solid data, sound business decisions and community support. The Galveston Wharves Board retained an internationally recognized consulting firm to assist port staff in comprehensive research and assessments of the port’s infrastructure; future cargo, cruise and commercial market opportunities; and financial analysis and forecasting. Opportunities include the following: » Build an interior road system to accommodate future growth and alleviate traffic on Harborside DriveRead more about the Strategic Master Plan at www.portofgalveston.com/221/Strategic-Master-Plan 10 MILLION CRUISE PASSENGERS SINCE 2000 - AND GROWINGYEARCRUISE SHIP CALLSCRUISE PASSENGERSPORT REVENUE GENERATED2019298*1,009,319*2018268989,220$18.9 million2017255938,198$17.6 million2016235868,923$13.7 million2015232834,616$12.3 million* Projected Source: 2018 CAFR» Expand and consolidate cargo activity on the port’s west end» Develop a waterfront commercial area at Pier 14 with retail, restaurants, a marina and trolley service» Seek cargo and industrial business for Pelican Island» A prioritized list of repair, maintenance and capital projects to maximize infrastructure investment for greatest return on investmentROBERT MIHOVIL30 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE // GEDP.ORGThe Tourism sector in Galveston continues growing with over seven million visitors in the past year. Growth indicators benefit through a number of factors including historic investments in the nourishment of Galveston beaches, continued expansion/diversification in the number of amenities and attractions located on Galveston Island, 4th busiest Cruise Port in North America – with more ships planning to come, and a growing concentration of sports and nature tourism activities aimed at supplementing the existing hospitality and tourism industry of Galveston.SECTORS POSITIONED FOR GROWTH» Experiential Entertainment» Sports Tourism – Events, Attractions, Facilities, New Technologies» Innovation and Technology related industries» Cultural Arts District» Nature TourismTourism OverviewVISITOR METRICS» Visitors spent $207 million on lodging, $203 million on food and beverages, and $169 million on retail shopping in 2018.» The value of second home accommodations tallied $60 million.» Visitor spending increased 4.6% and reached a new peak in 2018.» Overnight visitors to Galveston spent $115 per person per day, while day trippers spent $49 per person per day. An estimated 60.7% of all visitors were day trippers.» Tourism generated $177 million in taxes in 2018, 4.7% more than in 2017.» Tourism-driven state and local tax proceeds of $87.5 million helped offset the average household tax burden by $4,233 per household.» $49.6 million in local taxes were generated by tourism in 2018.60.7%VISITORS WHO ARE DAY TRIPPERS7.2MANNUAL VISITORS$177MTAXES GENERATED BY TOURISM2018SOURCES: Tourism Economics, 2018 Economic Impact of Tourism, Galveston CVB GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 31 KEY TRENDS 2018 » Visitor volume increased 2.7% and lodging spending increased 4.6% in 2018. Visitor volume and lodging spending are 32.0% and 65%, respectively, above the previous peaks in 2007.» Galveston Island’s hotel market slowed in 2018, after a robust 2017, according to STR data. Room-night demand fell 4.8%, while supply expanded 1.2%.» The occupancy rate ticked down 3.8 percentage points to 61.6%, but average daily rates managed to rise 5.2%.» After seven years of expansion, total visitor volume again reached a new peak in 2018 at just under 7.2 million visitors.» By establishment, key employers on the island are the University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Landry’s, Moody Gardens, and ANICO. Total employment was estimated as 32,779 in 2018.» Visitors to Galveston Island spent $872 million in 2018, which generated $1.2 billion in total business sales, including indirect and induced impacts.» A total of 11,646 jobs were sustained by visitors to Galveston Island in 2018. This included 8,997 direct and 2,649 indirect and induced jobs.» Approximately 35.5% (1 in 3) of all jobs on the Island were sustained by tourism.» Tourism-sustained jobs generated total income of $314.6 million in 2018. GEDP TOURISM TASK FORCEThe GEDP Tourism Task Force, chaired by Johnny Smecca, monitors these key areas of Galveston’s Tourism Industry:Tourism Overview» Tourism» Cruise Ship Development » Economic Climate» Beach Nourishment » Sports Tourism » Transportation » Workforce / HousingCRUISE HIGHLIGHTS» Cruise passengers increased 5.5% in 2018.» At 985,000, embarkations are 59.7% higher than the 2006 peak of 617,000.» The Port of Galveston maintains its ranking as the fourth largest home port in the U.S. when measured by embarkations.» Cruise activity generated $65.7 million in passenger on-shore spending, and another $19.3 million in services provided at the port in 2018.$872MTOTAL VISITOR SPENDING2018$65.7MCRUISE PASSENGER ON-SHORE SPENDING2018VACATION RENTALS CONTRIBUTED 27%OF ALL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX COLLECTIONS SEASONAL OCCUPANCYSpringMarch 1-May 31SummerJune 1-Aug 31FallSept 1-Nov 30WinterDec 1-Feb 2864%67%74%78%67%50%55%54% 2017 201840 miles from Houston Hobby Airport & major airline transportation Get connected at The Galveston Island Convention Center with free Wi-FiPlace your meeting or event Mid-Week for the best hotel ratesContact Bryan Kunz at bkunz@galvestoncvb.com or call 409.797.5157SEA YOUR MEETINGSDIFFERENTLYCome to Galveston Island, Texas for your next meeting! GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 33 Relax & Retreat | Contemporary & Chic | Galveston BeachEnhance your experience while enjoying unique modern spaces,contemporary beachfront accommodations & exceptional service. With the Gulf of Mexico as a backdrop, Galveston is the ultimate destination for a weekend getaway or business retreat. THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITESGALVESTON BEACH3228 Seawall Blvd • Galveston, Texas 77550409-621-5100DoubleTree by HiltonGalveston Beach 1702 Seawall Blvd ■ Galveston, TX 77550(409) 762-4141GALVESTON PARK BOARDThe Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston is a governmental entity created by a special act of the Texas Legislature in 1962 for the purpose of directing all tourism efforts for Galveston. The organization receives no sales or property taxes and is funded through hotel occupancy taxes, beach user fees and grants.The Park Board oversees the work of the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Galveston Island Beach Patrol, Coastal Zone Management (beach cleaning), seawall parking, and management of its beach parks, Stewart Beach, East Beach, Seawolf Park and Dellanera R.V. Park on the island’s west end. The Convention & Visitors Bureau employs marketing, public relations and sales teams in order to attract leisure and business travelers to the island. Last year, Galveston drew 7.2 million visitors to its beaches, historic sites, family attractions and restaurants. For information about what to do in Galveston, visit www.galveston.com.Coastal Zone Management is responsible for cleaning Galveston’s 32 miles of beaches. Each day, the crew is up before dawn to make sure Galveston’s shores are clean, green and pristine for visitors and residents alike.The safety of beachgoers is the primary concern for the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. An award-winning staff is ever vigilant patrolling miles of beaches and performing preventative actions and rescues, while informing beachgoers about water conditions.For more information about Galveston’s beaches, visit www.galvestonbeachinfo.com.Tourism OverviewIn cooperation with state and local officials, the Park Board has completed several award-winning beach nourishment projects including the creation of “Babe’s Beach,” west of 61st Street and widening existing seawall beaches. These nourishment projects serve to enhance recreation opportunities and protect property from storm surges.LIVE THE STORIES OF TEXAS & THE AMERICAN WEST MUSEUM HOURS:THEBRYANMUSEUM.ORG1315 21ST ST., GALVESTON, TX 77550THE BRYAN MUSEUMIMAGE: THE ALAMO, SEYMOUR THOMAS, PAINTED IN 1885 GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 35 SPORTS TOURISM» Continue efforts of IDC in improving and enhancing Galveston’s parks and recreation amenities» Explore Public/Private partnerships for growing Sports Tourism Facilities (indoor/ outdoor)» Develop a comprehensive communication/ organizational plan for event planning purposesCULTURAL ARTS DISTRICTThe City of Galveston’s Commission for the Arts has had a dynamic history, from its inception many years ago to the present. A few of the projects completed during that time include: the relocation of David Moore’s Dolphin Sculpture to Galveston’s Seawall; dedication of the commemorative 1900 Storm Sculpture; development of a driving tour of public art; and the successful state-wide designation for the Galveston Downtown Cultural Arts District which encompasses Galveston’s historic downtown and surrounding areas.The Galveston Downtown Cultural Arts District is one of the most important projects the Commission for the Arts has undertaken and not only is a feather in Galveston’s cap but one that will add an element of promotion to our city that will increase our cultural tourism and serve as another economic stimulus to our community. The district will be included on the Texas Commission on the Arts website as one of the selected communities honored with this designation. Galveston’s Commission for the Arts future plans include a significant brochure listing the many cultural arts sites within the district to include the surrounding businesses, complete with a map, directions, and descriptions. Future plans of the commission also include commissioning additional public art pieces and further enhancing the economic impact of the arts on the economy of our community.Tourism Overview SPORTS TOURISM METRICS 201895EVENTS95,583EST. TOTAL ATTENDANCE23,618TRACKABLE ROOM NIGHTS$31,497,728 EST. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT$45,356,728 EST. TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT“From shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House, stunning artwork at The Bryan Museum, to ArtWalk events downtown, Galveston is a city brimming with arts and culture.Recently, the Park Board approved spending $100,000 to fund a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant application, which would cover the cost of a Cultural Master Plan. The city council and the Galveston Arts Center will be submitting the grant while the Park Board has committed to match the grant funding and curate the cultural mapping.The Park Board and the CVB have been working with its partners for more than five years on a concerted effort to draw visitors to experience the many art and entertainment offerings in Galveston. The efforts coincide with their goals to attract more engaged visitors to the island like those who spend more time and money while in the destination. Promoting these experiences is also expected to help boost business during shoulder seasons.”MARY BETH BASSETT of the Galveston Park Board in a column in The Galveston County Daily NewsVoted “Best Happy Hour, Asian and Martini”, Sky Bar Steak & Sushi is where East meets West! Guests can enjoy the ultimate dining experience in a sexy, romantic setting that stimulates the senses. Enjoy Certified Angus Beef along with fresh hand made sushi. Sky Bar’s atmosphere becomes fun and lively later in the evening with a busy bar crowd and upbeat sounds. SkyBarGalveston.com • 409.621.SKY 2105 Postoffice StreetGalveston Restaurant Group brought the most award winning concepts for the “art of great eating”, to Galveston Island patrons in 1997. Created by Johnny Smecca, Joey Smecca and Danny Hart, they opened their first restaurant, Saltwater Grill, in 1998. Since then, they have been creating restaurant concepts that deliver the best dining experiences on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Galveston Restaurant Group also offers a wide variety of catering and banquet options that can be personalized for any event. From presentation to flavor, they provide a unique and memorable culinary experience for your guests. Please call the corporate office at (409) 750-8888 for details.Celebrating 20 years, there are few restaurants that deliver the quality atmosphere and personal attention that Saltwater Grill serves up daily. Home of Galveston Restaurant Group’s original kettle cooking, Saltwater Grill offers fresh Gulf seafood, gumbo, cioppino, fire kissed Certified Angus Beef® steaks, lobster and more! Saltwater Grill - where locals and visitors alike can enjoy upscale casual year round. saltwatergrill.com. 409.762.FISH 2017 Postoffice Street Voted “Galveston’s Best Delivered Pizza,” and “Best Sandwiches”, Papa’s prides itself on living up to that reputation. With homemade dough and flying pizzas Papa’s continues to lead the competition. Whether you dine in or have it delivered you will enjoy our pizza, pasta, wings, subs and salads. For a quick lunch enjoy our lunch buffet Monday - Friday from 11 am to 3 pm. Always fresh and always delicious. Order online at freehotpizza.com 409.766.PAPA • 4400 Seawall Blvd.PAPA’S PIZZAVoted BEST DELIVERYVoted Best Sandwiches-Galveston.comSALTWATER GRILLVoted Best RestaurantVoted Best Overall Seafood- galveston.comSky BarVoted BEST Happy Hour- galveston.comPizzeriaario’sSeawallItalianThe Gumbo Diner, is where classic American dining and New Orleans flair meets the beach. Offering southern breakfast staples, chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, burgers and the best Texas Gulf fried shrimp on the coast. The Gumbo Diner is a hit among both locals and visitors. This cozy beach front location will satisfy you morning noon & nite.TheGumboDiner.com 3602 Seawall Blvd.• 409.762.3232June 2016 saw the introduction of Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina. Galveston Restaurant Group’s latest concept, where you’ll find authentic small batch Tex-Mex cuisine. Enjoy fresh made guacamole and ceviche along with the chicken, shrimp or Certified Angus Beef ® fajitas with our award winning margaritas. All in a fun, upbeat atmosphere or relax and enjoy the Postoffice Street vibe on the covered sidewalk patio. Taquilos.com 409.497.4279 2101 Postoffice StreetGumbo Bar features live-action steam kettle cooking serving up our award winning gumbo. Enjoy burgers, po-boys and some of New Orleans’ best recipes like live crawfish and boudin. Gumbo Bar is the place to cheer on your favorite sports team, celebrate a casual night on the town or warm your soul with more than 62 refreshing beers, a variety of wines or our famous Hurricane. Finish off with our amazing beignets.Best comfort food in town!gumbobar.com 281.52GUMBO 2107 Postoffice in Galveston Once again voted “Best Italian Cuisine,” tucked away in the thick of Galveston’s seafood restaurants is Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant celebrating 47 years. Since 1973, Mario’s Seawall has offered fun, romance and the tradition of Italy with a Texas-sized seaside view. Mario’s Seawall boasts delicate and delicious pastas, gourmet pizzas and Gulf seafood. An island favorite is the weekday lunch buffet from 11am-3pm that offers pizza, pasta and seafood. You are invited to take a vacation every Sunday with our a la carte brunch menu. Enjoy chicken & waffles, seasonal pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches and more! Brunch is served every Sunday from 11am-2pm. Dine in or order online for delivery or pick up at MariosSeawall.com. Call 409.763.1693, Pizzeriaario’sSeawallItalianTAQUILO’SVoted BEST CHIPS & SALSAVoted BEST MARGARITAVoted BEST BARTENDERVoted BEST QUESO-GALVESTON.COMMARIO’S SEAWALLVoted BEST ITALIANVoted BEST MOM & POPVotes BEST SALAD BARVoted BEST STAFF- GALVESTON.COMGUMBO BARVoted BEST GUMBOVoted BEST CAJUN - galveston.comThe Gumbo DinerVoted Best BreakfastBest American- gcdn reader’s choiceNext >