Local News

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.

Jump at the Pump

As the price at the pump hit its highest over the weekend, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the Palmetto State is still lower than the national average. However, petroleum experts say the increase will be felt far beyond the pump, nonetheless.