More tourists visiting, spending more money during Charleston trips [Video]

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The latest tourism numbers show that more people are visiting the Charleston area, and they are spending more money during their stay.

Explore Charleston leaders said Monday that tourism alone brings an estimated $12.8 billion to the economy.

They add the average adult visiting the area is spending $1,026 on their trip. They said that’s up from previous years and hope the trend continues.

Chairman Dan Blumenstock, who owns several hotels in the area, said they are going after the quality of visitors, not quantity.

Still, last year, there were 7.68 million visitors to the Lowcountry. That’s 250,000 more than the pre-pandemic record.

Blumenstock said some driving factors are the expanded flights at the airport, the area’s food scene and new attractions, like the International African American Museum.

He also said they are seeing more business-related travel due to the business development that has been ongoing.

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