Greenville, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Greenville has experienced a remarkable growth in tourism, with the sector contributing $2.5 billion to South Carolina’s economy. The surge has led to a 15.5% increase in hotel revenue, with over 121,000 group hotel room nights booked. This boom has created jobs, generated substantial tax revenues, and supported community infrastructure projects. As Greenville establishes itself as a key travel destination, plans for future tourist-focused investments, including affordable housing initiatives, are underway.
Greenville Achieves Record Tourism Growth, Contributing $2.5 Billion to South Carolina’s Economy in 2024
Greenville has reported an impressive surge in its tourism sector, contributing a significant $2.5 billion to South Carolina’s economy in 2024. This remarkable growth places Greenville alongside cities like Columbia, Florence, Aiken, Anderson, and Conway as pivotal players in enhancing the state’s tourism draw.
The influx of visitors has helped to transform South Carolina into one of America’s most attractive travel magnets, benefiting local economies and communities. In Greenville alone, hotel revenue witnessed a staggering 15.5% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a strong demand for accommodations in the area.
In 2024, more than 121,000 group hotel room nights were booked in Greenville. The tourism boom also led to substantial visitor spending, which generated approximately $106 million in state taxes and $95 million in local taxes. These tax revenues play a crucial role in funding public services, alleviating financial pressures on over 200,000 households in the community by saving each household nearly $931.
Positive Economic Impact and Job Creation
Tourism has now become a vital part of Greenville County’s economy, sustaining one in every 25 jobs and resulting in over $655 million in wages and income. The primary reasons for visiting Greenville include relaxation, a thriving dining scene—experienced a 38% growth—and a calendar filled with vibrant events.
Advertising campaigns have successfully influenced approximately 1.5 million trips to Greenville in 2024. Furthermore, data indicates that more than 60% of visitors plan their trips around major events happening in the city. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has also seen an uptick in passenger numbers, with a 5% to 12% year-on-year increase, reinforcing the overall trend of tourism growth.
Community Investments and Future Prospects
The robust tourism revenue is supporting essential investments in community infrastructure such as parks and trails, which enhance the overall quality of life in the area. Events like the recent SEC Tournament have contributed an estimated $18 million to Greenville’s economy, underscoring the significance of tourism in local financial ecosystems.
Greenville’s tourism marketing efforts focus on its diverse culinary offerings, exciting events, and scenic beauty, successfully positioning the city as a desirable destination. As the region continues to grow, there are plans in place to utilize tourism-related funds towards affordable housing projects, addressing the pressing need for workforce housing in downtown Greenville.
Enhancing South Carolina’s Reputation
The continued growth in tourism across South Carolina reaffirms the state’s appeal as a year-round travel destination. The Upstate Summit on African-American Tourism pointed to substantial potential from Black tourists, suggesting an additional $118 million in annual economic output for the state. With strong ongoing demand and exceeded hotel tax revenues, the forecast for Greenville’s tourism sector in 2025 appears promising.
Conclusion
Greenville’s tourism sector is not only boosting local economies but also fostering community development. By leveraging the benefits of its burgeoning tourism, the city is transforming its landscape while creating a more vibrant and economically stable future for its residents.
FAQ
- What is the economic impact of tourism in Greenville for 2024?
The tourism sector in Greenville has generated an economic impact of $2.5 billion in 2024. - How much did hotel revenue increase in Greenville?
Hotel revenue in Greenville saw a 15.5% increase year-on-year in 2024. - What role does tourism play in job creation in Greenville?
Tourism supports one in every 25 jobs in Greenville County, with more than $655 million in wages generated. - How are tax revenues from tourism utilized?
Tax dollars from tourism help fund public services and provide significant savings for local households. - What initiatives is Greenville pursuing with tourism revenue?
Greenville is using tourism revenue to support affordable housing projects to address community needs.
Key Features of Greenville’s Tourism Growth in 2024
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Economic Impact | $2.5 Billion |
| Year-on-year Hotel Revenue Growth | 15.5% |
| Tax Revenue from Tourism | $201 Million (Combined State and Local) |
| Group Hotel Room Nights Booked | 121,000+ |
| Jobs Supported by Tourism | 1 in 25 jobs |
| Wages Generated | $655 Million+ |
| Expected Contribution from Black Tourists | $118 Million/year |
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Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World: Greenville Joins Efforts to Attract More Tourists
- FOX Carolina: Greenville’s Use of Tourism Taxes for Affordable Housing
- Eater: South Carolina Hosts 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony
- WYFF4: South Carolina African-American Tourism Summit
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
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.
