Greenville County, September 9, 2025
News Summary
In a recent report, Greenville County’s tourism contributed $2.5 billion to the local economy, marking a significant 4% increase from last year and a 35% growth since 2019. Increased accessibility through new air routes and a surge in visitors, particularly in group bookings for events, have played crucial roles. The sector not only boosts local tax revenues but also supports job creation, reinforcing Greenville’s thriving tourism model that benefits both visitors and residents.
Greenville
In 2024, visitors to Greenville County contributed an astounding $2.5 billion to the local economy, as revealed by the latest report from the local tourism bureau. This amount reflects a 4% increase from the previous year and highlights a remarkable 35% growth since 2019.
This economic impact report was disclosed during the annual meeting of VisitGreenvilleSC on September 4, 2025. The president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC noted that enhancements in air travel accessibility have played a significant role in attracting more visitors to the region.
The data indicates that the number of visitors to Greenville surged by 10% during the same time period. Notably, the introduction of new commercial air routes, including the first direct flight from the Upstate to the West Coast, operated by Breeze Airways in 2024, has notably broadened travel options for potential visitors.
The local economy reaped over $201 million in taxes from visitor spending, funds that contribute to both state and local projects, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the community. Additionally, group bookings for events, meetings, and conventions have increased dramatically, with over 207,000 group rooms booked for the next four years—an increase of more than 50% compared to pre-COVID levels.
Greenville County saw a significant uptick in hotel revenue, which rose by 15.5% year-over-year during the fiscal year ending in June 2024. This increase outpaced competitors in major nearby cities such as Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Birmingham.
Tourism not only serves as an economic driver but also supports job creation in the county, with tourism-related jobs accounting for one in every 25 jobs in the area. Collectively, this sector generates over $655 million in wages and income.
Key attractions that entice visitors include Greenville’s dynamic restaurant scene, a variety of exciting events, and the city’s unique natural beauty. The impact of visitor spending also translates into significant tax savings for local households, with approximately 200,000 households saving around $931 each in taxes due to the economic benefits of tourism.
Effective visitor marketing strategies have generated 1.5 million trips to Greenville in 2024, underscoring the success of targeted advertising campaigns. Furthermore, securing prestigious events, such as the SEC Tournament, is vital as it is anticipated to contribute as much as $18 million to the local economy.
Moreover, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has reported a positive trend in passenger numbers since the beginning of 2025, indicating a continual growth trajectory for tourism in the area. The revenue generated from tourism plays a crucial role in funding various public projects, which include improvements to parks, trails, and community facilities.
Greenville’s effective tourism model emphasizes the reinvestment of visitor income back into community enhancements. This strategy aims to create a sustainable cycle of growth and enjoyment for both visitors and residents alike, fostering a thriving community environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the total economic impact of tourism in Greenville County in 2024?
The total economic impact of tourism in Greenville County in 2024 was $2.5 billion, representing a 4% increase from the previous year and a 35% increase since 2019.
How many visitors traveled to Greenville in 2024?
In 2024, the number of visitors to Greenville increased by 10%, resulting in approximately 1.5 million trips to the area.
What role does tourism play in local employment?
Tourism accounts for one in every 25 jobs in Greenville County, generating over $655 million in wages and income.
What are some attractions in Greenville that draw visitors?
Visitors are drawn to Greenville’s vibrant restaurant scene, various events, and unique natural scenery.
Key Features of Greenville Tourism in 2024
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Visitor Spending | $2.5 billion |
| Growth Since 2019 | 35% |
| Local Tax Revenue | $201 million |
| Group Rooms Booked | 207,000 |
| Hotel Revenue Growth | 15.5% |
| Total Jobs Created by Tourism | One in every 25 jobs |
| Savings for Local Households | $931 per household |
| Effective Marketing Trips | 1.5 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Greenville’s Tourism Industry Generates $2.5B Economic Impact in 2024
- Post and Courier: Tourism Economic Impact in Greenville SC
- Travel and Tour World: Greenville Joins in Alluring More Tourists
- WNCT: Greenville-Pitt County Saw 2.3% Increase in Tourism
- WITN: Visit Greenville President Appointed to State Tourism Board
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Google Search: Greenville SC Tourism
- Google Scholar: Tourism Economic Impact Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Google News: Greenville Tourism 2024
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
