Greenville County's Tourism Boom: A $2.5 Billion Economic Surge

Greenville County's tourism industry has experienced a remarkable surge, contributing a staggering $2.5 billion to the local economy in 2024.

This significant growth underscores the region's rising appeal as a premier destination in the Southeast.

According to VisitGreenvilleSC, the hospitality and tourism sectors now support approximately 56,000 jobs, marking them as the second-largest employment contributors in the area, trailing only the healthcare industry.

Several factors have fueled this tourism boom.

Notably, the expansion of air travel options, such as Breeze Airways' new routes to Los Angeles and Avelo Airlines' popular New Haven to Greenville service, has made the city more accessible to a broader audience.

Additionally, Greenville's vibrant culinary scene has become a significant draw.

Dining emerged as a primary reason for travel in 2024, with a 38% increase in visitors citing it as their main motivation.

Establishments like Scoundrel, a French-inspired restaurant that opened in October 2022, have garnered national attention, even becoming a semifinalist in the Best New Restaurant category of the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2024.

Local businesses have felt the impact of this tourism surge in various ways.

Old Skool Outfitter, a vintage clothing store just off Main Street, has seen a noticeable uptick in foot traffic.

Owner Zach Justice noted, "You're getting a lot more people that are coming to downtown Greenville because of everything that it offers."

Similarly, Hotel Hartness, despite not being located downtown, has benefited from the influx of visitors attending events in the city center.

General Manager Mike Bonasia stated, "The more events that continue to happen downtown, we do see the benefits."

However, not all businesses have reaped the rewards.

Greenville Glides, a Segway tour company, has struggled to regain pre-pandemic customer numbers.

Owner Dianna Ward explained that while events draw crowds, they can also lead to street closures and reduced interest in tours.

She remarked, "When you have food trucks on the street, streets are tight and blocked. They're taking part in festivals and things like that. They're not necessarily wanting to take a tour."

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains positive.

VisitGreenvilleSC reported that in fiscal year 2024, the area hosted 214 events, attracting over 125,000 attendees and generating 80,000 hotel room nights.

Moreover, the city's natural attractions, such as Falls Park on the Reedy and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, continue to draw visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

As Greenville's tourism industry flourishes, the city is also exploring ways to address related challenges.

In a groundbreaking move, the city plans to use accommodation taxes, collected from hotel stays, to develop more affordable and workforce housing.

City Council Member Dorothy Dowe emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Our tourism industry relies on a workforce that frequently earns below the area median income, and those workers need a place to live."

In conclusion, Greenville County's tourism boom has brought substantial economic benefits and opportunities.

While some businesses thrive and others face challenges, the community's proactive approach to leveraging tourism dollars for broader societal benefits showcases a commitment to sustainable growth and inclusivity.