South Carolina launches $1.5 million tourism showcase in New York City September 25‑27
South Carolina’s tourism board is staging a $1.5 million ‘SC in the City’ promotion in New York City from 25 September to 27 September, featuring attractions from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. The three‑day event targets U.S. travelers and runs alongside new hotel openings and heritage exhibitions in the state.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A three‑day $1.5 million tourism campaign runs in Manhattan
- Timing
- 25‑27 September 2026
- Who is affected
- U.S. travellers considering South Carolina holidays
The details
- Announced by
- South Carolina Tourism
- Takes effect
- 25‑27 September
Campaign overview and reach
The ‘SC in the City’ promotion turned Times Square and Grand Central Terminal into immersive displays of South Carolina’s attractions. Digital billboards, interactive screens and live cultural demos generated 16.2 million impressions and an 84 % rise in tourism website traffic during the three‑day period.
- More than 20,000 direct consumer interactions were recorded
- Social media contributed over two million impressions
- Earned media added approximately 1.4 million impressions
Featured destinations
Five key locations were highlighted: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach. Each spot was presented with its unique blend of historic architecture, coastal recreation, cultural venues and family‑friendly amenities, encouraging visitors to explore beyond a single city.
- Charleston showcased historic streets and culinary attractions
- Greenville emphasized natural beauty and outdoor activities
- Hilton Head highlighted beaches and golf courses
Supporting developments and heritage projects
While the campaign ran, North Charleston prepared to open the Echo Suites by Wyndham extended‑stay hotel, offering 122 rooms with kitchenettes and laundry facilities for longer visits. Simultaneously, Folly Beach launched the “Shifting Sands” exhibition on 5 November, presenting the island’s coastal history for a year‑long display.
- Echo Suites scheduled for mid‑November opening
- Folly Beach exhibition runs until November 2027
- New historical marker installed at the Porgy House
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning a South Carolina holiday should note the heightened awareness from the NYC campaign when choosing dates.
- Visitors to New York between 25‑27 September can experience live South Carolina displays before booking.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees or documentation are required for the campaign itself.
- Extended‑stay guests may benefit from the new Echo Suites amenities without extra cost.
What you need to do
- Check the South Carolina tourism website for updated attraction details after the campaign.
- Monitor hotel availability in North Charleston if an extended‑stay is needed.
- Consider visiting Folly Beach’s exhibition for cultural insight during a future trip.
Who this affects
-
U.S. leisure travellers
The campaign aims to attract visitors from the Northeast to South Carolina’s holiday destinations.
What to do Review the highlighted attractions and plan travel accordingly.
-
New York residents and tourists (25‑27 Sep)
They can experience South Carolina’s culture and promotions directly in Manhattan.
What to do Visit Times Square or Grand Central displays during the event.
-
Extended‑stay guests in North Charleston
A new Echo Suites by Wyndham hotel is opening to serve longer visits.
What to do Book rooms after the mid‑November opening for extended stays.
-
Folly Beach visitors
A year‑long exhibition on the island’s changing coastline has opened.
What to do Include the exhibition in itineraries while it runs.
-
Business travellers to Charleston area
The new hotel provides kitchenettes and work‑friendly facilities.
What to do Consider the Echo Suites option for business trips requiring longer accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
When is the South Carolina tourism showcase in New York?
The ‘SC in the City’ campaign runs from 25 September to 27 September 2026, featuring billboards and live displays in Times Square and Grand Central Terminal.
Which South Carolina destinations are highlighted in the NYC campaign?
The promotion spotlights Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach, each presented with its unique attractions such as historic sites, beaches, cultural venues and outdoor recreation.
Is there a new hotel opening in South Carolina linked to the campaign?
Yes, the Echo Suites by Wyndham extended‑stay hotel in North Charleston is scheduled to open in mid‑November, offering 122 rooms with kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
What heritage exhibition opened on Folly Beach in November?
Folly Beach’s Historical Society opened “Shifting Sands: The History of Folly Beach’s Ever‑Changing Shoreline” on 5 November, a year‑long exhibition exploring the island’s coastal evolution.
Do I need to pay extra fees to see the South Carolina displays in New York?
No additional fees or special documentation are required; the displays are publicly accessible in Times Square and Grand Central Terminal during the campaign dates.
How many flights connect New York to South Carolina?
Approximately 75 weekly nonstop flights link the New York region with South Carolina airports, supporting easy travel for visitors attracted by the campaign.
