News Summary
The greater Charleston area has achieved a remarkable economic impact of over $14 billion from tourism, marking a 7.1% increase from last year. While tourist numbers have only risen modestly by 1.2% to approximately 7.89 million visitors, average spending per visitor surged to $1,105. The hospitality sector has also seen record employment numbers, highlighting tourism’s vital role in Charleston’s economy. Moving forward, officials aim to attract higher-value visitors while addressing the challenges of balancing tourism growth with local livability.
Charleston Tourism Hits Record $14 Billion Economic Impact in 2024
The greater Charleston area generated over $14 billion in economic impact from tourism in 2024, marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth underscores the vitality of the tourism industry in the region, which plays a crucial role in the local economy.
Despite only a modest rise in the number of tourists, which increased by 1.2% to an estimated 7.89 million visitors, the average spending per visitor saw a significant increase. In 2024, the average expenditure rose to $1,105, compared to $1,048 in 2023, a jump of 5.5%.
Tourism is a major economic driver in Charleston, representing 23.5% of all sales in the region. The hospitality industry employed 54,900 locals in tourism-related roles, reaching the highest employment figures recorded to date. Tourism’s economic impact has soared by 32% since 2021, with visitor numbers rising by just 9%.
Hotel Industry Milestones
The hotel sector achieved a record 4,940,000 room nights sold in 2024, resulting in an average hotel occupancy rate of 70.6%. The average daily hotel rate also experienced a slight increase, rising to $186 from $185 in previous years.
Transportation to the area saw notable growth as well. Charleston International Airport recorded 6,290,000 passengers, signifying a considerable increase over the last year, highlighting the area’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Visitor Demographics
Tourists hailed from various states, with major contributors including North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and New Jersey. Prominent cities from where visitors traveled included Charlotte, Atlanta, New York City, Raleigh, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Greensboro.
Attractions and Activities
Charleston’s diverse attractions contribute to its robust tourism sector. Visitors flock to the city for its wealth of historical sites, renowned food and restaurants, shopping opportunities, beautiful beaches, and a variety of events. The combination of these elements creates a compelling travel destination that draws millions each year.
Looking Ahead
As the regional economy continues to thrive, Charleston officials are focused on attracting high-value visitors who tend to stay longer and spend more during their trips. In the coming year, the tourism sector anticipates the opening of new hotels and ongoing growth in tourism-related activities.
However, alongside this growth, there are discussions around maintaining livability for residents. In response to rising tourism pressures, Charleston is organizing a forum titled “The Future of Responsible Tourism.” This event aims to address management policies for the industry to ensure a balanced relationship between tourists and local communities.
As Charleston continues to evolve as a premier destination, the ongoing focus on responsible tourism practices may play a pivotal role in sustaining both the economic benefits of tourism and the quality of life for residents.
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper
- ABC News 4
- Post and Courier
- Lonely Planet
- Travel and Tour World
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Charleston tourism 2024
- Google Scholar: Charleston tourism economic impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google News: Charleston tourism 2024
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
