How Upstate South Carolina is Developing Eco-Tourism Around Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport's Award-Winning Service in 2026

Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport has received five major customer satisfaction honors in the 2025 Airport Service Quality Awards. The recognition comes as the airport welcomed a record 3,043,621 passengers, strengthening Upstate South Carolina's regional tourism sector.

The Local Trend Revealed

In February 2026, Airports Council International (ACI) World announced the winners of the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, based on verified traveler surveys. Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina received five awards: Best Airport in North America (for airports handling 2 to 5 million passengers annually), Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport, and Cleanest Airport. The airport was also inducted into the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence.

This passenger service success aligns with GSP's record-breaking passenger growth. In 2025, the airport handled 3,043,621 passengers, representing a 5.7% increase compared to 2024 and marking the first time the facility surpassed the 3 million passenger threshold in a single year. Major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and Avelo Airlines, connect the gateway to destinations across the United States. To support this growth, the airport is investing in infrastructure upgrades under its Terminal Runway Infrastructure Projects (TRIP) initiative, including road and parking improvements.

Cultural & Environmental Value (Information Gain)

According to economic studies, GSP generates approximately US$4 billion in economic activity and supports nearly 20,000 jobs across South Carolina. The airport's growth directly supports local conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives managed by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and regional visitor groups like VisitGreenvilleSC.

A portion of regional tourism revenues is directed toward preserving local natural reserves, such as Falls Park on the Reedy and Paris Mountain State Park. The airport's infrastructure programs incorporate sustainable building standards, including energy-efficient airfield lighting and waste-reduction systems in the terminal. By offering travelers an efficient, modern gateway, GSP helps distribute tourist spending to local independent businesses, craft shops, and family-owned restaurants in Greer and Greenville, reducing the environmental footprint of regional transport.

Visitor Insider Tips

For travelers exploring Upstate South Carolina, these expert recommendations will help you experience the region's natural beauty and local heritage.

Off-Peak Visit Window: Plan your trip during the autumn months from September to November. You will experience mild temperatures, colorful fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and avoid the summer humidity.
Explore Falls Park on the Reedy: Visit this park in downtown Greenville to walk across the Liberty Bridge, a unique curved suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the waterfall in the center of the city.
Observe Southern Etiquette: Respect local customs by participating in polite community greetings. Southern hospitality is a key part of the culture, and a simple "thank you" or greeting is appreciated by merchants and servers.
Try Local Culinary Specialties: Visit independent cafes to try stone-ground grits, pimento cheese spreads, or dishes made with Carolina Gold rice, supporting regional farmers and food producers.
Hike Paris Mountain State Park: Located a short drive from GSP, this park offers eco-friendly hiking, cycling, and kayaking trails. It is an excellent destination for understanding the region's biodiversity.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Customer Experience Success

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Louisiana has also received recognition in the 2025 ASQ Awards. Operating as Louisiana's busiest commercial gateway, the airport was named one of North America's Best Airports at Departures in the 5 to 15 million passenger category and inducted into the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence.

In 2025, MSY handled 12.43 million passengers, providing nonstop connections to approximately 60 destinations through carriers like Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and British Airways. The airport's modern terminal, which opened in 2019, features local dining specialties, music-inspired designs, and cultural exhibits supported by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. To manage future passenger volumes, airport planners are developing a 20-year Master Plan proposing a second passenger terminal and 15 additional gates.

The table below outlines the award categories for these two regional gateways:

Airport	State	ASQ Category
Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport	South Carolina	Best Airport (Under 2 Million Passengers) – North America
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport	Louisiana	Best Airport (Under 2 Million Passengers) – North America

Tourism Outlook

The international accolades for GSP and MSY demonstrate that regional airports can compete effectively with larger aviation hubs by prioritizing service quality and passenger comfort. As both gateways implement long-term infrastructure improvements, they will continue to support local hospitality sectors and create regional employment. Over the long term, these service standards will enhance traveler confidence, ensuring that South Carolina and Louisiana remain premier destinations for business and leisure travelers alike.