In 2024, tourism contributed $2.5 billion to the economy of Greenville County, according to VisitGreenvilleSC, the region’s destination marketing organization. The data was shared during the group’s annual meeting on September 4, highlighting its role in promoting travel, hospitality, and local visitation. n nVisitor expenditures on lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions generated $106 million in state tax revenue and $95 million at the local level. These funds translated into an estimated tax relief of $931 per year for over 200,000 households in the area. n nHeath Dillard, CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, emphasized that these revenues also enhance community living standards. Local hospitality taxes support key infrastructure such as the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, municipal parks, and other tourism-driven developments. n n”We’re channeling visitor-generated income back into the community,” Dillard explained, “creating not only a more attractive destination but also amenities that residents benefit from daily.” n nHotel revenues in Greenville County rose by 15.5% compared to the previous year, outpacing peer cities including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Birmingham, Charleston, and Savannah. A total of approximately 121,000 group hotel rooms were booked in 2024. n nThe tourism sector supports one out of every 25 jobs in the county. According to Dillard, visitor spending fuels more than $655 million in wages and personal income annually. n nJonathan Smith, VisitGreenvilleSC’s research director, noted that the primary reason people visit Greenville is to unwind and escape daily routines. The city’s vibrant culinary offerings, diverse events calendar, and scenic landscapes are also major attractions. n nVisitGreenvilleSC also reported: n
— News Original —nGreenville tourism generates $2.5B economic impact in 2024nTourism had a $2.5 billion economic impact on Greenville County in 2024, according to VisitGreenvilleSC. n nThe destination marketing organization presented the latest annual visitation data during its yearly meeting on Sept. 4. VisitGreenvilleSC works to drive tourism, visitation and hospitality within Greenville County. n nVisitor spending on hotel accommodations, dining, retail and experiences last year generated $106 million in state and $95 million in local tax revenue. According to VisitGreenvilleSC, this amount was enough the save more than 200,000 local households $931 in taxes. n nHeath Dillard, CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, said the tax revenue is also used to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greenville. Local hospitality and accommodations tax revenue are used to support the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, city parks and other tourism-related projects. n n“We continue to reinvest the income that comes from our visitors into a community that’s not only regenerative, that continues to create a better destination that we get to promote, but it also creates amenities and assets that we get to enjoy as citizens,” Dillard said. n nHotel revenue in Greenville County saw a 15.5% increase year-over-year, exceeding Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Birmingham. Charleston and Savanah. Approximately 121,000 group hotel rooms were booked in 2024. n nTourism revenue also supports one in every 25 jobs in Greenville County. Dillard said more than $655 million in wages and income is produced from visitor spending. n nJonathan Smith, director of research for VisitGreenvilleSC, shared that the number one motivator for why people choose to visit Greenville is to relax and get away. The city’s restaurant scene, various events and unique scenery are other draws for visitors. n nVisitGreenvilleSC also reported: