African American Travel Market Opens Doors to New Economic Opportunities in South Carolina

Published on February 22, 2025

The African American travel market is unlocking new economic opportunities in South Carolina by boosting tourism, supporting Black-owned businesses, and preserving culture.

South Carolina’s African-American Tourism Conference is dedicated to celebrating the rich history of Black South Carolinians while finding ways to increase economic opportunities within the tourism sector. With billions of dollars at stake, the conference aims to educate, collaborate, and strategize to unlock the full potential of Black tourism in the state.

The Upstate Summit on African-American Tourism, a key part of the initiative, will feature insightful panels, discussions, and networking opportunities for tourism industry leaders, local officials, and community members. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact and growth of Black tourism in South Carolina and explore ways to support Black-owned businesses and cultural landmarks.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
• Location: Crescent One Building, 24 Goldsmith Street, South Carolina
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Why This Matters: The Economic Power of African-American Tourism

The African-American tourism market in South Carolina is a multi-billion-dollar industry that remains underdeveloped compared to other Southern states. The tourism industry leaders recognize that investing in Black cultural experiences can significantly boost the state’s visitor economy.

Charleston alone generates $27 billion in gross sales annually within the tourism sector. Expanding the African-American tourism niche could attract millions of additional visitors, further increasing the economic impact.

Key research findings show that:

• African-American tourists contribute $2.4 billion annually to South Carolina’s economy.
• A 5% increase in visitors interested in Black cultural tourism could add $118 million in revenue.
• South Carolina holds 5% of the U.S. African-American travel market but lags behind other Southern states in developing and promoting Black cultural tourism.
• More than half of the 33.1 million African-Americans in the U.S. live in the South, and 63% prefer to travel within the region.

By strategically investing in Black tourism, South Carolina can expand its tourism economy, support Black entrepreneurs, and strengthen cultural preservation efforts.

Challenges & Solutions: Unleashing the Full Potential of Black Tourism

Despite the significant economic potential, the lack of collaboration between local and state governments, tourism bureaus, and Black business owners has slowed the development of African-American tourism in South Carolina.

The Problem:
State and local tourism boards have not fully invested in promoting Black heritage sites, Black-owned businesses, and cultural experiences.

The Solution:
The annual African-American Tourism Conference is a critical step toward removing these barriers by:

• Educating tourism professionals and residents about the benefits of investing in Black tourism.
• Developing collaborative strategies to promote Black-owned businesses and historical sites.
• Driving funding and resources into the African-American travel sector.

Why South Carolina? A Unique Cultural Treasure

South Carolina is one of the most historically significant locations for African-American heritage. From Charleston’s deep-rooted Gullah culture to the historic sites marking the Civil Rights Movement, the state holds a unique position to attract and educate visitors on Black history.

Key attractions that could drive Black heritage tourism growth include:

• Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor – Recognized by Congress, this corridor highlights the unique culture of the Gullah Geechee people.
• The International African American Museum (IAAM) – A landmark museum in Charleston preserving African-American history.
• Penn Center on St. Helena Island – One of the nation’s first schools for freed slaves.
• Historic Black churches and neighborhoods across the state that tell the story of resilience and innovation.

By promoting these attractions and investing in Black-owned businesses, South Carolina can establish itself as a leading destination for African-American heritage tourism.

The Path Forward: Building a Stronger Future for Black Tourism

As the conference gathers key stakeholders, the goal is to create a roadmap for sustainable growth in the African-American tourism sector.

Actionable steps moving forward include:

• Increasing marketing efforts to attract more African-American tourists from across the country.
• Investing in Black-owned businesses and cultural heritage sites to ensure they thrive.
• Enhancing collaboration between state tourism agencies, community leaders, and private businesses.
• Creating strategic funding programs to develop and preserve Black historical sites.

The economic opportunity is clear—by supporting the African-American tourism industry, South Carolina can boost its visitor economy while preserving and celebrating a vital part of its cultural identity.

Join the Movement: Be a Part of the African-American Tourism Boom

The African-American Tourism Conference is more than an event—it’s a movement to redefine South Carolina’s tourism industry and ensure that Black history, culture, and businesses thrive.