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Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) has added Pee Dee Tourism Commission, Visit York County, City of Travelers Rest, and Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta to the list of more than 40 partners in Discover South Carolina’s Front Porch Program.

The Front Porch Program connects local visitor centers and destination marketing organizations in small towns and big cities all over the state with South Carolina’s bustling state-operated Welcome Centers and the powerful Discover South Carolina brand. The program was created to help local entities amplify their reach to attract more visitation.

Quotes:

• “Tourism is a powerful economic driver in South Carolina, and our Welcome Centers provide a critical touchpoint to the visitors that support our more than $30 billion industry. From our popular destinations to our undiscovered gems, nearly every city and town in the state has some sort of visitor center to welcome tourists. Our Front Porch Program connects those entities to help us help them, allowing us to help share their stories with our larger audiences, drawing more tourists and tourism dollars to every corner of the state.” – Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
• “Joining the Front Porch Program is an exciting opportunity to deepen our connection with travelers exploring the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina. I look forward to collaborating with the SC Welcome Centers to showcase our region's unique attractions and hospitality. Through this partnership, I aim to enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the growth of tourism in our communities throughout the seven-county region.” - Ashley Bley, Executive Director, Pee Dee Tourism Commission 
• “We are excited to be part of a program that will welcome more people to North Augusta and Aiken County.” - Mary Anne Bigger, Executive Director, Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta
• “Being a Visitors Center and Front Porch Partner with the South Carolina Welcome Center gives Visit York County an opportunity to connect with travelers at one of their first touchpoints into the state. It helps us showcase our region’s charm and drive visits, overnight stays, and local spending.” - Cortney Peterson, VP of Partnerships, Visit York County
• “We participate in the Front Porch program because we truly enjoy showcasing all the wonderful destinations South Carolina has to offer. One of the greatest benefits of the program is the opportunity to distribute our promotional materials to Visitor Centers across the state. We’re confident that our outreach is both meaningful and well received.” - Beth Sicignano, Communications and Events, City of Travelers Rest

Certified Front Porch program participants share information, promote special events, and provide SCPRT with up-to-date information about their destinations. This allows SCPRT’s nine Welcome Centers to share the latest and greatest information available about our destinations with our millions of visitors, helping increase visitation to those areas and improving visitor experience upon arrival. Program members receive an official window cling and certificate to promote their participation in the program; bulk copies of state maps and the Discover South Carolina Vacation Guide; and access to special training and events hosted by SCPRT’s expert travel staff.

Eligible entities can learn more about the Front Porch Program at scprt.com/tourism/front-porch-program.

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