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Columbia, S.C. – At an event celebrating the Palmetto State’s more than $30 billion tourism industry, Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 4-10, 2025, is Travel and Tourism Week in South Carolina.

“South Carolina’s tourism industry is fueled by our unmatched culture, hospitality, and unrivaled natural treasures, all of which make South Carolina the best state in the country to visit,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to recognize the tourism industry, and to honor those who work tirelessly to help visitors and citizens discover everything South Carolina has to offer.”

The governor’s proclamation aligns with the nationwide celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the power of travel.

“It has taken the dedicated efforts of many industry professionals across the state to build and grow our more than $30 billion tourism industry,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “Each member of our industry plays a critical role in achieving continued year-over-year tourism growth and success. And this certainly includes the hundreds of thousands of hospitality employees all across our state, from the frontline staff we often see at hotels, restaurants, and attractions to the support and management staff who are often less visible to the traveling public. Every one of these roles is critical to our state’s tourism success.”

In South Carolina:

• 1 in 10 people work in hospitality, supporting more than 200,000 jobs
• The estimated annual economic impact of the industry is more than $30 billion
• Tourism-related tax collections reduce the annual tax burden for every resident by nearly $1,000

The South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week proclamation was unveiled during a celebration at the Governor’s Mansion, which gathered tourism leaders from every corner of the state. The event's theme for 2025 highlighted the pivotal role our state’s Welcome Centers and local visitor centers play in the overall tourism industry.

Event speakers included Heath Dillard, CEO of Visit Greenville, and Rachel Knight, Tourism Director for Berkeley County.

• “This week, we celebrate the hospitality professionals, small business owners, and community partners whose dedication makes South Carolina a great place to visit,” said Heath Dillard, CEO of Visit Greenville. “Their work does more than welcome travelers—it powers our economy, supports thousands of jobs, and enriches life for everyone who calls this place home.”
• "The Front Porch Program has been an invaluable asset in amplifying Berkeley County's tourism reach,” said Rachel Knight, Tourism Director for Berkeley County. “By actively engaging with the dedicated staff at South Carolina's Welcome Centers, we've been able to directly connect with travelers as they begin their journeys through our state. A friendly welcome paired with a local recommendation makes visitors to the Berkeley County Welcome Center feel comfortable and connected to our community."

The event also named Eva Aronson of Grand Palms Resort in Surfside Beach, as the South Carolina Hospitality Employee of the Year (HEY). Eva has 29 years of service in the industry and is known for her attention to detail and commitment to making lasting relationships with guests. She is described as dependable, caring, and friendly, and guests ask about her year after year. Eva was recently honored with the Front of House Employee of the Year Award for both the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association and the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association. She was nominated for the South Carolina HEY award by Visit Myrtle Beach. The HEY award is coordinated and co-sponsored by the South Carolina Area Tourism Regions (SCATR) and SCPRT.

South Carolina media members are encouraged to reach out to local travel and tourism-related businesses – from destination management organizations to hotels, restaurants, and local attractions – to help spotlight and celebrate the people who fuel the industry around the state. Find more tools and resources to celebrate the recognition week in our dedicated South Carolina NTTW Toolkit.

Discover all the rich history, sandy beaches, pristine lakes, rolling foothills, and family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer at DiscoverSouthCarolina.com. Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

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View the Travel and Tourism Week Proclamation

Pictured left to right: Rachel Knight, First Lady Peggy McMaster, Governor Henry McMaster, Johanna Hodge, Duane Parrish, and Heath Dillard.