Tourism growing in SC

Tourism in South Carolina is at least a $21.2 billion industry that supports one in every 10 jobs in the state and generates about $1.6 billion in state and local taxes, according to figures released today by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The new economic impact was announced at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel on Hilton Head Island, and represents business activity for the calendar year 2016, which is up 4.7% from 2015. “While an analysis for data in 2017 is not yet complete, indicators hint at even greater growth, which would be the fifth consecutive year of tourism expansion in the state,” said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Parrish said year-end hotel revenue for 2017 increased 6.2% over 2016, outpacing growth averages nationally and in the South Atlantic region. Since 2012, RevPAR (revenue per available room, the most reliable measurement of tourism’s impact in South Carolina) has increased by more than 41%. Also during this session, Parrish announced the 50th anniversary of the South Carolina welcome center program. The Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel is the largest annual gathering of tourism professionals in South Carolina to discuss consumer trends and best marketing practices.