Tourism is a Key to OC’s Economic Success

Blessed with the beauty of nature, Oconee County is a popular tourist destination in South Carolina and throughout the South. With its strategic location near Charlotte, Atlanta, Greenville and Columbia, Oconee County draws visitors on a daily basis. Tourism is key to Oconee County’s economic success, says Destination Oconee Manager Janet Hartman. “With the blessings that we have with all of the outdoor resources and the natural beauty in this area, we already are an area that people folk to for vacations and visiting and such. In addition though from a tourism standpoint, we need to look at all the other assets we have in the county whether it be the arts, great historic opportunities, restaurants, shopping, etc. As people come into our community, we are looking at them as visitors who spend money here and help our economy, but also the fact that those folks could some day become residents and possible business owners in the county. So, tourism is really key to our economic success and diversity in our economic climate.” Biking, fishing, kayaking, golfing and more already draw outdoor enthusiasts; however, the arts are also attracting more visitors to Oconee County. Some of the tourism destinations for arts and music are the Oconee Community Theatre, the Walhalla Performing Arts Center and the Westminster Music Centre, in addition to the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail.