Report on Tourism in The Pee Dee

The Center has just completed a study that looked at the rural Pee Dee region of South Carolina and its potential to capitalize on the thousands of drive tourists that come through every year on their way to coastal destinations. Interviews and focus groups of tourism industry stakeholders and two consumer surveys were conducted for data collection. Results revealed major constraints to tourism development in the Pee Dee including the lack of a clear brand, poor accessibility, limited cooperation between regions in Pee Dee, lack of cooperation between Pee Dee and the coastal regions, limited infrastructure and tourism product, very poor signage, and limited marketing funds. But opportunities for tourism development in this rural area as a drive tourism destination were also recognized, such as the unique historic and nature-based attractions. Culinary tourism and festivals and events are also likely to attract drive tourists to the Pee Dee, and potential tourists would be interested in natural beauty scenic drives as an alternative way of reaching the coast.

Based on the results, a number of recommendations have been made in the report for growing tourism in the Pee Dee. The full report can be downloaded at:

http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/CoEETourismandED/PDFs/SCTourismStats/DevelopingTourismintheRuralPeeDee.pdf

Aiken horse park and multi-purpose facility

Dr. Simon Hudson and his research team have been commissioned to conduct a privately funded feasibility study endorsed by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.  This preliminary study will explore a number of options for a multi-use arena and event facility to include a horse park.  Aiken, a self-professed equestrian 'hot-spot' already has a thriving local culture that supports a number horse disciplines and events.   Following a day of focus groups in Aiken, SC, February 28th, 2012, Dr. Hudson (pictured here) provided the local Equine Support Council with a feasibility study update.

Pee Dee Area Study

Dr. Fang Meng, Assistant Professor and SmartState SC Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Fellow, is spearheading a research project to encourage tourism to the Pee Dee.  Survey data on perceptions of the Pee Dee among current and potential visitors, as well as activities that would draw visitors to the area, will be analyzed and results will inform efforts develop tourism products in a currenlty under-developed market.
Dr. Fang may be contacted at:fmeng@mailbox.sc.edu
Coliseum Room 1011-D
803-777-0631

South Carolina Tourism and Higher Education Summit

The College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management was well represented at the conference hosted by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition in Columbia, SC today. Dean Brian Mihalik participated in a four person expert panel on hospitality education and six of the seven full-time tourism professors in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management were among attendees. Dean Mihalik recognized the SC Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development as the only SmartState program dedicated to tourism in the State. He also recognized the Center's Director, Dr. Simon Hudson, as the 'go-to guy' for State focused tourism research.