George Guastello, Union Station President & CEO, Recognized with 2023 Tourism Icon Award by Visit KC

Guastello received Visit KC’s highest honor at Annual Tourism Outlook Event on Sept. 20

KANSAS CITY, MO – Today, Union Station is proud to share recognition given by Visit KC to George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO.  Guastello received the Tourism Icon award and was recognized at last night’s Annual Tourism Outlook event by Visit KC at the Midland Theatre. The Tourism Icon Awarded – Visit KC’s highest honor — recognizes individuals who significantly contribute to the city’s tourism and promote the mission and values of Visit KC.

“I am honored to receive Visit KC’s Tourism Icon Award,” said George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO. “Union Station represents the visual voice of Kansas City and has become where our community gathers to celebrate events and special moments of every size and, in turn, make lifelong memories. Those responsibilities are both a passion and privilege for us. Union Station, including our Board of Directors, entire professional team, service partners and tenants are focused on delivering an outstanding guest experience to locals and tourists alike. On behalf of them, I’m proud to accept this award.  It truly does take every one of us to keep Kansas City’s historic home vital and vibrant for our entire bi-state region.”

Guastello has been president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City since 2008 and has spent over 30 years in leadership roles with the region’s most iconic institutions.  In the last 15 years, under his guidance, millions of guests have gathered for celebrations of all kinds. From international exhibition successes like Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. that welcomed more than 318,000 guests from all 50 states and more than 10 countries, a World Series and two Super Bowl parade celebrations, to hosting the NFL Draft, George’s hands-on efforts have left a lasting legacy on Union Station and the Kansas City community.

“I am excited to announce that George Guastello is the 2023 Visit KC Tourism Icon Award recipient, said Kathy Nelson, President & CEO of Visit KC. “George’s contributions via his leadership at Union Station Kansas City draws people from across the country, enhancing our city’s image and brand. Thought-provoking exhibitions, such as Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away., Union Station’s commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to youth and the unparalleled contribution to our community by hosting our sports events and celebrations, assist in driving not only awareness for our destination but contributes to the positive trajectory of the travel and tourism industry.”

Another monumental milestone for the Station includes the facilitation of a decade-long partnership with Science City and Burns & McDonnell with the goal of promoting STEM based learning opportunities for youth in the greater Kansas City area. Science City features over 300 interactive exhibits and over 100,000 square feet of room to roam and explore with hands-on activities, special monthly themes, and STEM-based programs for all ages. Annually, Science City welcomes more than 200,000 guests to experience the amazing world of science.

For more perspective from George, including highlights of Union Station’s history, please listen to the There’s Just Something About Kansas City podcast here.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Hi-res images and video are available for download here.

###

Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 108-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions as was proud to host the 2015 Royals World Series Championship Parade/Rally and the 2020 and 2023 Chiefs Super Bowl Parades/Rallies plus the recent 2023 NFL Draft.  Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.