South Carolina's Front Porch Program

A collaboration with local visitor centers and DMOs

South Carolina's Front Porch Program

Established in 2023, our Front Porch Program is a statewide partnership opportunity for local visitor centers and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across South Carolina.

The program's primary goal is to enhance our two-way communication to help us help you! Front Porch Program participants are better equipped to leverage the power of the Discover South Carolina brand and have opportunities to more effectively connect with the guests at our nine bustling SCPRT Welcome Centers. You provide the latest and greatest information about your destination and what you have to offer, and we help send more visitors interested in those offerings your way. Plus, you'll have access to special training from our award-winning team of travel experts. Together, we can drive more visitors to every corner of South Carolina, and improve visitor experience in all of our tiny towns, popular destinations, and undiscovered gems.

 

 

Program benefits:

  • You will be promoted as a South Carolina Certified Visitor Center by the state-operated centers to guests visiting your region.
  • Will receive bulk maps and Discover guides.
  • Offered the opportunity to attend an annual seminar along with other members of the program and welcome center staff.*
  • Receive free behind-the-scenes training at the Welcome Center closest to you for any new employees.
  • Attend the annual South Carolina Welcome Center Conference.*
  • Opportunity to join a special study tour/FAM once a year.*
  • Receive the benefits of open policy sharing from the Welcome Centers and Front Porch Program members.
  • There will be a press release upon certification of becoming a Front Porch Program member as well as a photo-op.
  • Receive a certificate plaque to hang inside your visitor’s center.
  • Receive a window cling to recognize your membership.
  • You will be added to a statewide email listserv with other certified centers and Welcome Center managers for information sharing, dialogue, and networking.
  • You will be given the opportunity to take the United States Travel Association South Carolina Travel Counselor Certification Test.

 

Eligibility criteria:

  • You must have a consistent visitor experience - meaning you must give the same experience to each and every guest that comes through your visitor center.
  • Have public restrooms available.
  • Maintain regular open hours.
  • Be a public, non-profit, or DMO-owned and operated center.
  • Have a business or sustainability plan.
  • Display brochures pertaining to your region.
  • Agree to receive an annual visit from the South Carolina Welcome Center Program’s Visitor Services Manager or Visitor Services Coordinator to verify all criteria are met and maintained.
  • Submit a completed application and a one-time application fee of $75.

How to apply:

  1. Download the Front Porch Program Application here.
  2. Make a $75 check payable to the Beautiful Places Alliance. Please note "Front Porch Program" on the check memo.
  3. Mail your completed application and check to:

SCPRT
ATTN: Heather Harley
1205 Pendleton Street
Suite 233
Columbia, SC 29201


If you have any questions about the Front Porch Program, please contact our Welcome Center Operations Manager, Heather Harley by email or phone at 803-734-0005.

 

* Additional discounted fees may apply.