By Regina McGee

Less than nine months after Hurricane Ike swept through Galveston causing some $3 billion in damages, this Texas resort celebrated its remarkable recovery with Re-Birth Day festivities in the downtown area in May. Weekend activities included tours of the newly re-opened Tremont House. The return of the historic hotel, a Galveston icon, was the latest in a series of recovery milestones.

Over Memorial Day weekend, thousands of visitors enjoyed the island’s famous beaches, restored after a $10 million effort. Hundreds of shops and restaurants in the downtown area are now open for business, though recovery is still underway in parts of the Strand, famous for its beautiful Victorian architecture.

Thanks to the city’s seawall, much of the island’s tourism infrastructure was left in tact following Hurricane Ike. This includes the Galveston Island Convention Center, located at the San Luis Resort, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The center’s resort-like ambience is complemented with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 43,100-sq.-ft. exhibition hall. Parking at the center and anywhere on the island is complimentary — as is the shuttle to and from contracted hotels. With 700 hotel rooms adjacent to the center and another 1,400 within two miles, the island accommodates citywide events averaging 1,200 people.

Recently, Galveston was voted the top Texas tourist destination for out-of-state leisure travelers in a survey conducted by the state’s Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. Indeed, this 32-mile-long island continues to offer a an amazing diversity of attractions.

Moody Gardens boasts everything from a world-class aquarium and a Discovery Museum to a spectacular hotel, spa and convention center. With its huge array of aquatic attractions, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a mecca for families. The island’s many treasured historic attractions include the Grand 1984 Opera House, a jewel of Victorian-era theater, and Bishop’s Palace, a castle-like home now one of the island’s most visited museums.

“The pace of recovery is a testament to the resiliency of the people of Galveston,” remarks Meg Winchester, CMP, director of sales, Galveston Island CVB. Galveston continues to be an excellent choice for conferences, she says. “Our whole philosophy is that groups have the best experience possible.”