South Carolina tourism impact to rise to $32‑$32.5 bn in 2026
South Carolina’s tourism economic impact is forecast to increase to between $32 billion and $32.5 billion in 2026, up from $31 billion in 2025. The projection reflects higher visitor spending and tax collections and applies to hospitality businesses and tourism planners in the state.
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في لمحة
- What changes
- Tourism economic impact rises to $32‑$32.5 bn in 2026
- Timing
- 2026 projections
- Who is affected
- Hospitality businesses and tourism planners in South Carolina
التفاصيل
- موعد السريان
- 2026 projections
- القاعدة السابقة
- In 2025 the state's tourism economic impact was $31 billion.
- القاعدة الجديدة
- 2026 projections show impact of $32‑$32.5 billion.
Overall Growth Overview
The United States sees an unprecedented tourism surge across several states during 2025‑2026. South Carolina’s total tourism economic impact rose from $31 billion in 2025 to a projected $32‑$32.5 billion in 2026, while Oklahoma and Vermont also posted notable increases. State‑level tax collections, visitor spending, and arrival figures all moved upward, reflecting diversified strategies such as coastal resorts, heritage routes, and four‑season outdoor offerings.
- South Carolina projected impact $32‑$32.5 bn in 2026
- Oklahoma projected direct spending $13.3‑$13.5 bn in 2026
- Vermont projected visitor spending $4.5‑$4.6 bn in 2026
South Carolina Projection Details
Certified filings from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism show the state’s accommodations tax collections climbing from $121.4 million in 2025 to an estimated $126‑$128.5 million in 2026. International visitor spending is expected to increase from $708 million to $745‑$760 million, while Charleston’s annual footfall grows from 7.2 million to between 7.4 and 7.5 million visitors. Upstate destinations such as Greenville contribute a regional impact rising from $474 million to $490‑$500 million, driven by growing MICE activity.
- Accommodations tax $121.4 m (2025) → $126‑$128.5 m (2026)
- International visitor spending $708 m → $745‑$760 m
- Charleston footfall 7.2 m → 7.4‑7.5 m visitors
Drivers Behind the Surge
South Carolina’s growth stems from a blend of coastal beach tourism, heritage preservation, culinary experiences, and expanding inland recreation. Charleston’s premium average daily rate performance, the promotion of Upstate corridors, and strategic investments in outdoor recreation corridors have all contributed. International markets, particularly Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, continue to send high‑spending travelers seeking winter‑spring escapes, historic tours, and golf vacations.
- Coastal resorts and family beaches attract high‑spending families
- Heritage and culinary tourism in Charleston and Beaufort boost per‑capita spend
- Upstate outdoor corridors draw adventure and MICE visitors
ماذا يعني هذا للمسافرين
تخطيط الرحلة
- Travelers should expect higher hotel rates as demand rises with projected visitor growth
- Early reservation of coastal resorts is advisable to secure availability during peak seasons
- Check for possible capacity constraints at popular heritage sites in Charleston
التكلفة والوثائق
- No new travel fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the projected growth
- Accommodation tax rates remain unchanged for visitors, despite higher overall collections
- Travelers’ existing insurance and proof‑of‑funds requirements stay the same
ما عليك فعله
- Monitor hotel and resort booking windows for early availability alerts
- Review travel budgets to accommodate potentially higher lodging costs
- Stay informed of state tourism promotions that may offset price increases
من يتأثر بهذا
-
South Carolina hospitality businesses
Projected tourism impact and tax collections are rising, indicating higher demand for lodging, food, and services
ما يجب فعله Adjust staffing and pricing strategies to meet increased visitor volume
-
South Carolina state tourism authority
Data reflects significant economic growth, requiring updated marketing and infrastructure planning
ما يجب فعله Allocate resources to support coastal and Upstate tourism initiatives
-
International visitors from Canada, the UK and Germany
These markets are identified as primary inbound sources driving spending growth
ما يجب فعله Plan trips considering higher demand and potential price changes
الأسئلة الشائعة
What is South Carolina’s tourism economic impact forecast for 2026?
South Carolina’s tourism economic impact is forecast to reach between $32 billion and $32.5 billion in 2026, up from the $31 billion impact recorded in 2025. This growth reflects higher visitor spending and expanded tourism activities across the state.
How much will accommodation tax collections increase in 2026?
Accommodations tax collections are expected to climb from $121.4 million in 2025 to a projected range of $126 million to $128.5 million in 2026. The rise follows increased visitor numbers and higher per‑capita spending, not a change in the tax rate.
Which countries are the top international visitors to South Carolina?
Canada remains the largest international feeder market for South Carolina, with visitors drawn to winter‑spring coastal escapes, golf, and long‑stay rentals. The United Kingdom follows, attracted by historic sites and culinary tourism, while Germany contributes outdoor recreation travelers. All three markets are expected to sustain growth in 2026.
What are the main attractions driving South Carolina’s tourism growth?
Growth is driven by South Carolina’s coastal resorts such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, heritage tourism in Charleston and Beaufort, a thriving culinary scene, and new investments in Upstate outdoor recreation corridors. These attractions collectively raise average daily rates and extend visitor stays.
Will visitors face higher accommodation taxes in 2026?
The accommodation tax rate for visitors does not change for 2026. However, total tax revenue will be higher because more guests are staying and spending more, leading to larger overall collections without altering the percentage charged on accommodations.
