Jasper County celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week May 7-13 to celebrate the revenue the industry brings to the county each year.
In South Carolina, tourism is a $23.8 billion industry each year and employs 1 in 10 people in the state. It also generated $1.8 billion in state and local taxes, according to a Jasper County press release.
Combined, travel and tourism generate about $10 million a year, according to the county, and the industry is a big factor in local and state decisions about roads, airports and other infrastructure.
According to the 2020 Census, the number of residents in Jasper County has increased 28% over the past decade, from 24,948 to 31,925 in 2020. The county said travel and tourism together generate about $10 million in annual revenue, making it a big factor in local and tourism. National decisions regarding roads, airports and other infrastructure.
According to the release, National Travel and Tourism Week began in 1983 and aims to “stimulate economic growth, foster vibrant communities, create quality employment opportunities, stimulate new business, and elevate global standards.” has become an annual tradition to celebrate the important role of travel in Quality of life for Americans every day. ”
“As people move to and from Jasper County, they not only spend money at our hotels and motels, restaurants and shops, they also find great places to live, buy or build in the future. home,” Jasper County Governor Andrew Fulgham said in a release.
Fulgham added that the county is looking at tourism as an economic driver for Jasper County.
“We were motivated to relocate to Jasper County not only because of its natural beauty, but also because it is affordable and good for business, yet also because it is close to the comforts of Savannah, Beaufort and Hilton Head. We encourage businesses to start businesses in Jasper County,” he said.
Jasper County Parks and Recreation Director Devonte Genwright joined state tourism leaders at the I-95 Welcome Center in Hardyville on May 12. Their purpose was to greet passing visitors and thank them for stopping by Jasper County.
“We are working with the Jasper Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the county celebrations for National Travel and Tourism Week,” Jenwright said. “It’s an important part of the Lowcountry economy here, as much of it runs through Interstate 95.”
Numerous projects in the county, such as the construction of a new fire station in Marsh Cove, the planned expansion of Interstate 95 through the county, and ongoing construction, have helped boost economic growth, which in part is due to local travel and tourism. US 17’s $42 million expansion project through the county and the ongoing expansion of Ridgeland Claude Dean Airport.
An example of the value of tourism is the PGA Tour CJ Cup golf event in Congaree in October 2022, which generated an estimated $54 million in media coverage and an estimated $80 million economic impact to the region, according to the release. said to have brought
Since hosting its first PGA event at Congaree Golf Club two years ago, Ridgeland Claude Dean Airport has expanded services to include a passenger waiting area, pilot lounge and line service work area, according to the county. A 3,600-square-foot temporary terminal was installed. Other airport improvements are also planned.
“These improvements and future airport improvements are part of the county’s infrastructure investments that will continue to pay off as more people use the airport to visit the region,” Fulgham said. said.