Running Head: Tourism’s Impact on South Carolina

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Abstract

Tourism refers to travel for purposes of recreation, leisure or business. Tourists are defined according to World Tourism Organization as people who travel and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than a day and less than a year for leisure, business and other related purposes. Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity today and contributes numerously to the revenue of most economies of the world.

Social and Cultural Impact of Tourism in South Carolina

South Carolina, one of the states in United States, is characterized vastly by beach locales, golf courses, fresh and salt water fishing activities, a State Park, highly classed restaurants, shopping galleries, boutiques and outlet malls. A 295- acre botanical garden, the South Carolina Botanical Garden sits on this state, in Clemson, and is home to more than four hundred varieties of camellias and also boasts magnolias, hydrangeas and hollies. The azaleas, dogwoods, daffodils, and wisteria are found at Mt. Pleasant’s Cypress Gardens, enhancing the natural beauty. The aesthetic value is also magnified by the presence of Edisto Memorial Gardens, a home to the South Carolina Roses, four thousand plants which represent approximately seventy five varieties of roses in Orangeburg (Prosser & Harrison, 2009, p.28).

Evident in the area also are festivals related to food, culture, and the arrival of a new season. The World Grits Festival, the classic car show at Pickens Azaleas Festival and the Gullah Festival for celebrating culture and heritage are but a few of such events organized in the state (Ollholf, 2009, p.24).

There are also various state parks. The Cheraw State Park provides a serene environment for family fun, outdoor recreation, reunions and reminiscing. The presence of historic sites, cultural treasures and artistic treasures, and natural wonders cannot go unnoticed. Award winning museums are found here. The waters cater for activities such as boating, fishing, water rafting, kayaking, and scuba diving. With these naturally and artificially endowed environments, South Carolina is one amongst the many prestigious tourist destinations of the world (Gordon & Patton, 2008, p.65).

South Carolina was one of the first settlement sites of the English. It was also one of the first places to experience civil and therefore holds a significant place in American History. The Charles Town Landing, the first English settlement area, the colonial plantation and Charleston, a contemporary city are a few of the historical sites that are indicative of the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina (Ollholff, 2009, p.26).

Tourism affords opportunities for regional progress. Regions experiencing structural change are able to ascertain to a great extent the impact of tourism. Tourism provides for the transformation of local populations by providing their immediate needs. South Carolina has benefited immensely from this industry in a vast number of ways (Prosser & Harrison, 2009, p.32). One of the social impacts is that social amenities and recreational amenities are able to be accessed by the adjacent populations. The presence of golf courses, hiking opportunities, and water related activities can attribute to this fact. These facilities are effected and maintained by revenue accruing from the tourism. Other public utilities such as roads, schools and hospitals are also budgeted from this revenue (Beasley, 2004, p.45).

A rise in the living standards of individuals and communities is also eminent in South Carolina. This is due to the fact that employment in the state on tourism related opportunities are on the rise. In 2007, for example over one thousand direct tourism jobs were advertised. Increased employment directly increases the purchasing power of individuals thereby raising their living standards. This therefore reduces the poverty levels in the state and increases revenue from taxation hence contributing to the Gross Domestic Product of the United States (p.48).

The pristine environment, the natural aesthetic value of the area and the available natural and historic environments cater for the psychological needs of tourists and the community at large. This therefore improves the psychological health standards of individuals contributing further to their well being (Prosser & Harrison, 2009, p.63).

The state houses a variety of communities, from the English, African-Americans to Hispanics. All of these interact freely individually and collectively thus creating a unique culture in the state. This uniqueness stretches to build the social cohesion amongst these communities which indirectly influences their resilience to foreign shocks.

The diverse cultures in the state in addition to enhancing social cohesion, act as educative zones to both tourists and locals. Learning about the customs of another culture contributes to a change in personal attitudes and subsequently enhances one’s appreciation of other cultures (Beasley, 2004, p.75).

The attraction to natural and heritage icons such as those situated in South Carolina, help fund conservation efforts and provides opportunities for effective management of sensitive and significant figures. However, cultural attractions are not a sole draw card for visitation but provide one of many experiences (Gordon & Patton, 2008, p.111).

Cultural identity is also realized as an impact of tourism. A growing number of cultural celebrations highlight important events and paying homage to ancestry. This helps to preserve local traditions in younger generations while at the same time influencing visitors. The Gullah Festival as well as food and music celebrations help to preserve the unique culture of South Carolina (Beasley, 2004, p.98).

Negative impacts can also be attached to the social impacts of tourism. As articulated by Beasley (2004) increased demand for public utilities such as water due to increased populations as a result of high tourist influx may cause a strain on their supply which may indirectly affect the living standards of the local communities. Tourism may also contribute to a diminishing culture due to ‘modernization’ of historical facilities to satisfy tourists needs rather than preserving the originality of such heritage. Lastly, the overdependence on tourism may significantly increase the vulnerability of the local populations to circumstances beyond their control such as the world economic crisis.

Tourism contributes largely to the social and cultural spheres in places where it is practiced. South Carolina is a region well endowed with diverse tourism sites that are both naturally and artificially appealing. The area therefore is able to attract a unique generation of tourists as it encompasses the needs of the old generation and the new as well. The socio-cultural benefits of tourism cut across the individual and collective goals of populations residing within and without in the state. Maintaining the cultural diversity and developing adaptive strategies are fundamental considerations for the perpetuation of this industry in the South Carolina state.

References

Beasley, T. (2004). The Social and Cultural Impact of Tourism. Oxford: Oxford UP.

Gordon, G.B., & Patton, C.J. (2008). A Geographical of the Carolinas. USA: Parkway

Publishers.

Ollhoff, J. (2009). South Carolina. USA: ABDO Group.

Prosser, C., & Harrison, C. (2009). Beautiful Places: the timeless beauty of South

Carolina. South Carolina: South Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.