Spartanburg Shines as South Carolina Tourism Experiences Record Growth

News Summary

Spartanburg recently hosted the 60th annual Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, unveiling remarkable growth in South Carolina’s tourism sector. Over the last decade, tourism has experienced a 65% growth, contributing over $29 billion annually to the state’s economy. The industry supports 10% of jobs and generates nearly $2 billion in taxes each year. With trends like ‘skip-gen’ travel and a new marketing campaign, Spartanburg is highlighted as a rising star in tourism, particularly with 85 major sports events planned for 2024.

Spartanburg Shines as South Carolina Tourism Rides the Wave of Record Growth

Spartanburg, South Carolina, recently hosted the 60th annual Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism on February 10, and boy, did it uncover some exciting news! The tourism and travel sector in South Carolina has been on a thrilling ride, experiencing an impressive 65% growth over the past decade. That’s right, folks! This flourishing sector now pumps more than $29 billion annually into the state’s economy!

Your Favorite Vacation Spot is Booming!

As the tourism scene blooms, so does the state’s population. With the natural beauty of South Carolina as a stunning backdrop, it’s no wonder more and more people are flocking to this delightful southern gem. The conference brought together over 350 industry professionals who gathered to highlight just how strong and resilient the state’s tourism market is.

Lots of Jobs, Big Taxes!

Now, what does this growth mean for the local job scene? Well, tourism supports around 10% of all jobs in South Carolina, which is quite the accomplishment! Not only does the industry provide significant employment opportunities, but it also generates nearly $2 billion each year in state and local taxes. Imagine what that money does for the community! It’s like having the best kind of neighbor who regularly pitches in to help maintain the neighborhood.

Bridging Generations Through Travel

One of the exciting trends highlighted at the conference is “skip-gen” travel. This new travel style sees grandparents and their grandchildren hitting the road together, creating precious memories that last a lifetime. As people explore their options, it’s crucial for the tourism sector to cater to the diverse values and preferences of four generational groups. The variety in choices allows everyone to find their perfect getaway.

Discover South Carolina, Here We Come!

In a bid to draw visitors in, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism has reappointed the 9Rooftops agency as its Marketing and Advertising Agency of Record. With the launch of the “Discover South Carolina” campaign, the state has seen over 6.5 million trips and $2.05 billion in hotel revenue. Those numbers are jaw-dropping, making it clear that the state is a must-visit destination for travelers!

Spartanburg: The Rising Star!

Notably, Spartanburg has paved its way into the spotlight, earning a spot on Southern Living’s list of “The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024”. This means visitors can expect to enjoy a delightful experience in this developing city, which has also played host to 85 major sports events in 2024. That’s resulted in an impressive $32 million in direct spending.

Game On!

As the sports tourism sector expands, major events like NASCAR races and the Bassmaster Classic have contributed to substantial economic growth. In recognition of its importance, May 19-25 has been proclaimed as South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week, celebrating the full impact of the industry. Furthermore, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has awarded over $3 million in grants dedicated to attracting new sporting events in local communities.

So, whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, lush forests, or thrilling sports events, South Carolina is bursting at the seams with vacation possibilities. With the tourism sector thriving like never before, it’s clearly a wonderful time to embrace everything the Palmetto State has to offer!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Upstate Business Journal
• Business Wire
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Tourism in South Carolina
• Google Search: South Carolina tourism growth