The top tourism leader at Visit York County is leaving. Here’s what we know
The top tourism official at Visit York County will leave the organization for a similar role in Greenville.
The hospitality agency announced Tuesday its president and CEO Billy Dunlap has accepted a new director of sports tourism role with Visit Greenville. Dunlap spent four years in the York County position. His last day will be Feb. 25.
“We are grateful for Billy’s time with Visit York County and all that he has accomplished while here,” Visit York County Board Chair Brown Simpson said in a release Tuesday. “While we are saddened to see him go, our staff is committed to continuing to promote York County as a premier destination to visitors.”
Dunlap’s time with York County saw new events and attractions, but also a drain on county funding. The new Rock Hill Sports & Event Center opened with college basketball, showcase high school basketball and other large events on its calendar. The Battle at the Rock and No Room for Racism Classic are held there now. Dunlap’s group also started the YoCo Brew Trail and YoCo Taste Trail to highlight area restaurants and breweries.
Still, recent months have been a challenge for Visit York County as county funding that traditionally went to the tourism group was redirected, largely to the Catawba Bend Preserve project on the Rock Hill shores of the Catawba River. To mitigate funding loss in recent years, Dunlap’s group created a destination marketing fee program to bring in revenue from area hotels.
According to the release, the Visit York County board will soon announce and interim director and process for bringing on a new leader.
Dunlap is a Rock Hill native and Rock Hill High School graduate. The Clemson graduate was owner of Dunlap Media prior to his York County position, a published digital news site in Laurens. He’s served in various media roles.
This story was originally published February 8, 2022 at 3:50 PM.
