South Carolina Sees Remarkable Growth in Tourism Sector

News Summary

South Carolina has experienced a significant 65% growth in its tourism and travel sector over the past decade, contributing over $29 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting nearly 10% of jobs. The recent Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism highlighted this trend and the rising demand for tailored travel experiences. Governor McMaster has also declared May 4–10, 2025, as South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week to further promote tourism. The Charleston area plays a crucial role, generating $14 billion in tourism impact in 2024, despite challenges like rising insurance costs faced by local businesses.

South Carolina has witnessed a remarkable 65% growth in its tourism and travel sector over the past decade, contributing over $29 billion annually to the state’s economy. This surge underscores the importance of the tourism industry, which now supports approximately 10% of jobs in the state, generating nearly $2 billion annually in state and local taxes.

The latest findings on South Carolina’s booming travel and tourism sector were revealed during the 60th annual South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism held in Spartanburg on February 10. Governor Henry McMaster addressed over 350 industry professionals, emphasizing the resilience and strength of the sector.

South Carolina’s scenic beauty remains a key driver in attracting visitors from around the globe. The conference highlighted the growing trend of “skip-gen” travel, where grandparents travel with their grandchildren to create cherished memories. This trend reflects the diverse traveling preferences of the four adult generations currently in the tourism market, indicating a need for tailored experiences that meet the needs of different age groups.

In an encouraging move to recognize the significance of the tourism sector, Governor McMaster has declared the week of May 4–10, 2025, as South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week to coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week. This initiative aims to further promote the state’s tourism potential and foster continued growth.

Tourism Impact on Charleston

The city of Charleston has been particularly influential in driving South Carolina’s tourism success. In 2024, the Charleston area generated an impressive $14 billion in tourism impact, accounting for nearly half of the state’s total tourism economic contribution. The city welcomed an unprecedented 7.89 million tourists, with nearly five million hotel room nights sold.

Average hotel rates in Charleston have seen significant increases, rising by approximately $63 since 2020 and $30 since 2019. This price trend highlights the rising demand for accommodations as visitors flock to this historic city. Charleston attracts a variety of visitors, including those from major East Coast metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, New York City, and Charlotte, NC.

In terms of employment opportunities, the tourism sector in Charleston provided around 1,200 job openings in 2024 alone, highlighting its role as a vital source of economic stability and job creation. Additionally, hospitality tax collections from tourism-related activities are providing substantial financial relief to residents, reducing individual tax burdens by nearly $1,000 per resident annually.

Challenges for Local Businesses

While the tourism industry has experienced growth, business owners in this sector are facing challenges such as increasing insurance costs and rising tariffs, which can significantly impact local enterprises. In a positive move towards easing this burden, a bipartisan agreement has been achieved that aims to alleviate liquor liability insurance costs for bar and restaurant owners, thus supporting their continued operation.

Moreover, the Charleston tourism sector is actively promoting local businesses and unique offerings over chain restaurants, which helps to create memorable experiences for visitors and encourages repeat visits. This approach not only enhances the charm of the city but also lays the foundation for sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local economy.

In summary, South Carolina’s travel and tourism industry is flourishing, substantially contributing to the state’s economy and job market. With continued support and strategic initiatives, the sector is poised for further growth, enhancing the appeal of South Carolina as a premier travel destination.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
• Charleston Business
• Google Search: Charleston tourism 2024
• Spectrum Local News
• Google Scholar: South Carolina tourism
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
• Upstate Business Journal
• Google News: South Carolina tourism week