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SC Universities Join Forces with State to Improve Tourism Industry

DATE: 6-20-06

CONTACT: Brett Wright, (864) 656-3036
e-mail: wright@clemson.edu

WRITER: Ross Norton, (864) 656-4810
e-mail: ross.norton@clemsonews.clemson.edu

SOUTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITIES JOIN FORCES WITH STATE TO IMPROVE TOURISM INDUSTRY

CLEMSON — Although tourism is South Carolina’s leading industry, the state falls behind most others when it comes to capitalizing on tourism dollars. A new program aims to improve that by partnering the resources of Clemson University with those of the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University and the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

The primary goal of the program is to conduct research and disseminate the results to increase long-term competitiveness of tourism in South Carolina. According to Brett Wright, chairman of Clemson University’s department of parks, recreation and tourism management, which will house the program, South Carolina’s leading industry fails to bring in the tourism dollars as effectively as other states.

“It’s a $14.6 billion industry, but it’s fragmented in our state,” he said. “Tourists in South Carolina spend just 57 percent of what they spend in other states. We’ve got to find a way to improve that.”

The partnering universities will apply for a $3 million endowed professorship through the state’s education lottery fund that would be matched with $3 million in non-state resources.

“The Endowed Professor of Tourism, Competitiveness and Sustainability will develop collaborative projects and help us develop networks within the state’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Gary Loftus, director of Coastal Carolina’s Center for Economic and Community Development. “This collaboration is essential if we are to consolidate and unite the tourism industry in South Carolina.”

Pat Moody, dean of the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, says a coordinated effort is needed to maximize the benefits of tourism in the state.

“This is an excellent opportunity for tourism research professors from all of the state’s universities to work together and capitalize on the state’s major industry for the good of South Carolina,” Moody said.

Chad Prosser, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, said, “This program will support the state’s efforts to stimulate the development of more tourism-related businesses that will generate employment in our traditional and developing tourism markets.”

Although the Endowed Professor of Tourism, Competitiveness and Sustainability will be headquartered at Clemson, he or she will keep regular office hours at each of the partnering sites.

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