Communities can attract tourists with food-related events
By Peter Kent
While tourism generates more than $10 billion for South Carolina’s economy and employs an estimated 216,000 people, its primary impact is along the coast, according to a 2006 study by Tourism Development International.
The consultants stated that there are not enough attractions to support tourism in inland areas. However, they highlighted agriculture as a possible tourism development strategy for the Florence area.
William Norman, a Parks Recreation and Tourism Management researcher, is seeking to fill in the gaps in the consultants’ report. He is studying the role that food has throughout the state as a way to increase tourism outside the coastal areas.
“Understanding the importance of food as a component of heritage, culture, the arts and nature can help communities enhance their tourism appeal,” said Norman.
For information: William Norman,