Economic Impact

The Economic Impact of African-American Tourism in South Carolina

Tourism is one of South Carolina's largest industries and a powerful driver of economic growth. Today, the state's tourism industry generates approximately $22.6 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 200,000 jobs—roughly one in every ten jobs in South Carolina—and contributes billions in tax revenue that helps fund public services while reducing the tax burden on residents.

Within this thriving industry, African-American tourism represents one of South Carolina's greatest opportunities for future growth. According to the African-American Tourism Economic Impact Study, Black heritage and cultural tourism currently generates $2.4 billion in annual economic impact, supports 26,302 jobs, and produces approximately $789.5 million in labor income. Visitors drawn to the state's African-American history, Gullah Geechee culture, museums, festivals, churches, historic communities, and Black-owned businesses spend an average of $402 per visitor, creating economic opportunities for communities throughout South Carolina.

While these numbers are impressive, they also reveal enormous untapped potential. African-American tourism currently represents about 11% of South Carolina's overall tourism economy. As travelers increasingly seek authentic, culturally rich experiences, South Carolina is uniquely positioned to expand this market by investing in heritage preservation, destination marketing, tour guide development, cultural attractions, and Black-owned tourism businesses. Even a modest increase in market share could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new visitor spending, create thousands of additional jobs, and strengthen local economies from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.

African-American tourism is more than an economic opportunity—it is an investment in South Carolina's history, culture, and people. By preserving historic sites, supporting artists and entrepreneurs, and sharing authentic stories, the state can build a tourism economy that is both profitable and purposeful. As South Carolina's tourism industry continues to grow, expanding African-American tourism will ensure that more communities share in that success while protecting the cultural legacy that makes our state one of America's most distinctive destinations.