CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The first word some might hear when they make it to the Queen City just might come from Jackie Davis, greeting them with a "Welcome." Davis holds the Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority (CRVA) award for Outstanding Ambassador.
It means she's honored for being the face, and smile, of American Airlines' customer service at the Charlotte Douglas Airport.
It's where she's worked, and watched, for decades.
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"37 years ago we wouldn't see half the numbers that we see now," Davis told WCNC Charlotte. "We're going to keep growing, we're going to keep moving, we're going to keep developing."
The award comes not only as tourism leaders look to honor local hospitality business, but also as the airport itself continues to make headlines.
Some of WCNC Charlotte's latest coverage details expanded flight options and new plans for the airport's Destination District -- an economic development project bringing restaurants, breweries and other money makers to dozens of acres surrounding the airport. The expansion is meant to match the growth the Charlotte region continues to see.
"Nearly 31 million visitors coming to Charlotte spending close to $7.3 billion in the local community," Karen Brand said, adding those numbers add up to a record year in tourism.
A leader with the CRVA, Brand hopes to build on that momentum -- especially as economic mobility and development were just outlined as top priorities for Charlotte city leaders.
As all these different sectors make it their job to push investments in the Charlotte area, Brand emphasized their goals.
"Enhancing the quality of life not only for our visitors that we welcome but for the residents that live here too," Brand said.
Davis' job stays the same: To provide award-winning hospitality.
"I like people," Davis said with a smile. "I like being around people."
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