Ones to Watch Profile: Andy Clinton
May 28, 2024
Colleen Dick
As the President & CEO of Visit York County, Andy Clinton has made it his mission to boost the local economy through strategic tourism and destination marketing. With a keen eye for opportunity, he's responsible for overseeing all operations of Visit York County, ensuring the organization is well-funded and its initiatives are effective. His efforts have a big impact on making York County a must-visit destination for travelers near and far.
Since stepping into his role, Andy has focused on ramping up both public and private funding to fuel extensive marketing campaigns and attract major events to the area. This strategic push has paid off handsomely, with funding seeing a 10% boost and local tourism taxes increasing by 27%. State tourism grants have surged by 49%, and hotel partnerships have hit an all-time high, surpassing the $1,000,000 mark for the first time. Thanks in part to Andy's work, York County has enjoyed a significant year-over-year increase in economic impact, benefiting businesses and residents alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andy is a fixture in the community, actively participating in several industry organizations such as the SC Restaurant & Lodging Association, SC Travel & Tourism Coalition, and the York County Sports Hall of Fame (which he helped relaunch in the past year). His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work with ChristmasVille, the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, and the York County Gamecock Club. Whether it's through his professional endeavors or his volunteer efforts, Andy Clinton is dedicated to making York County a vibrant, prosperous community for everyone.