Columbia Sees Record-Breaking Surge in Tourism with 16.4 Million Visitors in 2023

Columbia Welcomes a Surge in Tourism!

Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the latest tourism statistics reveal an impressive increase in visitors to the region. In 2023, 16.4 million people flocked to Columbia, up from the 15.8 million who visited in 2022. This news comes on the heels of a delightful media breakfast held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) on September 10, 2024, where the center is celebrating an amazing 20th anniversary.

Thriving Tourism in Columbia

At the breakfast, Bill Ellen, President and CEO of Experience Columbia SC (ECSC), shared the good news about the tourist boom in the region. He emphasized that this surge in visitors is a testament to the hard work and strategic efforts of the ECSC staff. Ellen stated, “Thanks to successful strategies and support from our stakeholders, our region welcomed over 16 million visitors in 2023.” He went on to explain the substantial economic impact tourism has on the local scene, mentioning that it generates a staggering $2.8 billion annually.

But that’s not all! 🏙️ Columbia’s tourism scene also brings in about $137 million in state and local taxes, while supporting 22,546 jobs in the area. It’s safe to say that tourism is vital for the economy around here!

Visitor Spending on the Rise

Not only did visitor numbers increase, but spending went up too! Visitors shelled out approximately $1.8 billion in 2023, which is a delightful 6.5 percent increase from the previous year. If you can believe it, we had nearly 600,000 additional visitors compared to last year, making the total visitor volume grow by 3.7 percent. And let’s not forget about the exciting news that around 5.7 million of these visitors stayed overnight, enjoying everything our beautiful city has to offer!

The Role of the CMCC

Cheryl Swanson, vice president and general manager of the CMCC, highlighted the convention center’s fabulous two-decade journey. Since its grand opening in September 2004, it has hosted over 8,000 events and welcomed more than 3.9 million visitors. Swanson proudly declared, “The CMCC’s greatest achievement is we have accomplished exactly what a convention center is supposed to do.” She believes they play a significant role in driving economic impact while showcasing the area’s charm.

Celebrating Two Decades of Success

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the CMCC is hosting a special invitation-only VIP reception on September 16 to celebrate with clients, public officials, and stakeholders. The community is also invited to an open house on September 18, from 4 PM to 6 PM, featuring refreshments, prizes, and guided tours of the facility!

A Dedicated Team Behind the Success

The success of Columbia’s tourism wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the ECSC team. Ellen spoke volumes about their efforts: “Each department and position is vital to driving – and keeping – visitors coming to the Columbia region.” It is clear that their passionate approach is making a long-lasting difference.

Looking Ahead

Tourism continues to be a driving force in Columbia, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community. Ellen shared that events like the recent “Rivals in Red Tour” held at the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium had an economic impact of $13 million and that the visitors’ center saw a 38 percent increase in traffic.

The future looks bright for Columbia, and with a team so dedicated to promoting the rich stories and charm of the area, there’s no telling just how far this kickoff to 2023’s tourism success will take us. Here’s to more visitors, more memories, and a thriving Columbia!