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Spartanburg Shines as South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Thrives

News Summary

Over the last decade, South Carolina’s tourism sector has skyrocketed by 65%, contributing $29 billion annually to the economy. The recent Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism in Spartanburg showcased the flourishing industry, highlighting the personal connections in travel and promising marketing strategies. With a robust summer tourism season on the horizon and Spartanburg being named one of The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024, the future looks bright for the Palmetto State’s tourism landscape.

Spartanburg Shines as South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Thrives

Have you noticed more folks flocking to South Carolina lately? Well, you’re not imagining things! Over the last decade, the tourism and travel sector has experienced a remarkable growth of 65%. This means visitors are showing up in droves, enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer—contributing a whopping $29 billion annually to the state’s economy!

A Strong Foundation in Jobs and Taxes

With tourism blossoming, it’s not just the visitors who are benefiting; local communities are reaping the rewards, too! The industry now supports around 10% of all jobs in South Carolina, providing livelihoods to thousands of people. Additionally, it generates nearly $2 billion each year in state and local taxes, which helps fund essential services and projects in communities across the state.

The Big News: Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism

On February 10, travel and tourism professionals gathered in Spartanburg for the 60th annual Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. A fabulous turn-out of more than 350 industry insiders came together to celebrate the successes of the past and discuss the bright future ahead. Sparking much conversation was the eye-catching natural beauty that South Carolina boasts, which keeps drawing visitors to its stunning landscapes.

The Heart of Tourism: Personal Connections

There’s something special about personal interactions in travel. While technology continues to evolve, many industry experts agree that face-to-face connections are irreplaceable. A fascinating trend that has emerged is what’s called “skip-gen” travel. Here, we’ve seen grandparents teaming up with their grandchildren for adventures, creating unforgettable memories together.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Marketing Strategies

One marketing campaign generating buzz is “Discover South Carolina,” masterminded by 9Rooftops. This initiative has made quite an impact, leading to over 6.5 million trips to the lesser-known gems throughout the state and driving up projected hotel revenue by about $2.05 billion! It’s no wonder that 9Rooftops has been reappointed as the Marketing and Advertising Agency of Record for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Spartanburg: A City on the Rise

At the conference, Spartanburg was highlighted as an up-and-coming destination. Southern Living even named it one of “The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024.” The city has seen impressive investment, with nearly $1 billion pledged in capital investments for 2024 alone. Plus, hosting around 85 sports events that year is sure to bring in significant tourism, with direct market spending expected to be about $32 million.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Tourism

With the expected strong summer tourism season on the horizon, fueled by stable gas prices and a recovering economy, South Carolina’s estimated tourism industry is predicted to continue flourishing. In fact, the sector delivers an estimated $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. Sports tourism alone represents around 10% of the entire industry, indicating just how vital these events are to the overall economy.

A Remarkable Impact

The last five years have been nothing short of spectacular for South Carolina’s tourism. The overall economic impact has skyrocketed by $4.5 billion, demonstrating just how significant this sector is to the Palmetto State. With so much going for us, South Carolina’s tourism is poised for even greater heights as more visitors explore all the beauty and adventure waiting to be discovered!