PRT Head Predicts 5 Percent SC Tourism Increase

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ The head of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is predicting a 5 percent increase in the number of people taking in the state’s sights in 2012. Duane Parrish said Wednesday that a number of tourism indicators were up in 2011, including hotel occupancy which was up more than 2 percent. Admission taxes from golf were up almost 6 percent, an increase Parrish attributes to the state finding a sponsor for the Heritage Classic and the fact the PGA Championship is being held in Kiawah Island this year. Parrish says any tourism increase could be tempered by rising gas prices. He says if prices get too high, PRT will shift its focus and market more to South Carolina residents and those who live nearby.