Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park Honored with Prestigious 'Stars of the Industry' Awards

GATLINBURG, TN – Sept. 3, 2024 – Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is proud to announce its recent accolades at the 2024 Stars of the Industry Awards, organized by the Sevier County Hospitality & Tourism Alliance. Westgate Water park supervisor Derek Musick received the distinguished Emerging Star Under 30 Award, and the resort, itself, was recognized for its commendable impact by winning the honorable Community Service Award.

Stars of the Industry is a celebration of excellence to highlight the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations in Sevier County’s tourism and hospitality sector that have played a pivotal role in making it a world-class destination.

Derek Musick, water park supervisor at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park, was honored with the Emerging Star Under 30 award. This recognition celebrates young professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise and dedication to the hospitality industry.

“Derek’s leadership and commitment to providing an outstanding guest experience at our resort’s renowned water park have set him apart as a rising star in the industry,” said Westgate Resorts Chief Operating Officer Mark Waltrip. “We hold a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for the invaluable impact he has on our shared efforts to provide the highest level of hospitality.”

The Community Service Award presented to Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park recognizes the resort’s contributions and commitment to offering exceptional guest experiences. Through various initiatives and partnerships with the Westgate Foundation, the resort is proud to give back to Gatlinburg and its surrounding communities whenever possible.

“We are incredibly proud of Derek and the entire team at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park for these well-deserved honors,” said Mark Waltrip. “These awards reflect our commitment to excellence in both guest service and community engagement, and we are thrilled to be recognized alongside so many other admirable contributors to the Sevier County tourism industry.”

The Stars of the Industry Awards not only celebrates individual and organizational achievements but also serves as a qualifier for the statewide Stars of the Industry Purple Iris Awards held during the Governor’s Conference in September, presented by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.

As the tourism industry continues to thrive in Sevier County, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park remains dedicated to setting the standard for excellence, innovation and community involvement.

ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS

Westgate Resorts is the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States. Founded in 1982 by David Siegel, the company is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with seven Orlando hotel resorts and 22 themed destination resorts nationwide. Westgate Resorts locations feature more than 13,500 luxury villas and hotel rooms in popular vacation destinations throughout the United States such as Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Florida; New York City, New York; Park City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Williamsburg, Virginia; Branson, Missouri; and Mesa, Arizona.

In 2022, the company launched the cutting-edge World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program, an exclusive program that rewards Westgate Owners and hotel guests with prestigious perks and privileges at no added cost.

The company has garnered many distinct accolades, including earning the title of “No. 1 Glamping Destination” in the USA Today 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, as well as the “2022 ACE Project of Excellence Award” from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) for Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, recognition from Forbes Travel Advisor ranking Westgate Park City Resort & Spa as a “Recommended Resort” in its 2022 Star Awards and garnering 73 “Best of State Awards” for Westgate Park City Resort & Spa after consecutively winning 10 years in a row.

Westgate Resorts locations are known to feature a variety of unique restaurant, retail, and spa concepts, including Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar, Villa Italiano Chophouse, Drafts Burger Bar, Edge Steakhouse, Westgate Marketplace & Deli, and Serenity Spa by Westgate.

For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit WestgateResorts.com. Find Westgate Resorts on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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