DESTINATION MANAGEMENT : TURNING CHALLENGES Into Opportunities

As our industry continues to thrive, we are encountering new challenges to its continued success. These challenges are workforce development, transportation and parking, and hotel development. Consequently, Explore Charleston is stepping up to play a larger role in addressing each of these issues.

Workforce development is focused on having a sufficient and reliable supply of employees for every sector of our industry, from restaurants to attractions and lodging. Transportation and infrastructure is twofold: we need to find better and more affordable ways for our employees to get to work, and to address the time and costs associated with commuting. Expanding public transportation is one element that will play a vital role and is particularly important for hourly workers.

Finally, as our area’s economy grows we often hear that we have “too many” construction projects underway...in tourism’s case, this comment is primarily aimed at hotels. Explore Charleston will play a leadership role in working with our elected officials to determine what types of development make sense depending on location and market demand drivers. We intend to help residents and local leaders understand that every hotel is not created equal, and a project that is bad for one area may in fact be a huge benefit for another!

Charleston Area Hospitality Industry Workforce Development And Resources

September 19, 2023 - University of South Carolina HRSM

September 19, 2023 - Virginia State University

September 27, 2023 - Eastern Carolina University

Sept/Oct - South Carolina State Hospitality / Business

Sept/Oct - Orangeburg Technical College

October 10-11, 2023 - Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park Campus

October 12, 2023 - Johnson and Wales, Providence Campus

October 25-26, 2023 - Auburn Hospitality School internship and career fair

October 26, 2023 - University of Central Florida

November 2023 - Claflin University

February 2024 - Univeristy of South Carolina HRSM

February 2024 - Culinary Institute of America Spring Career Fair

March 2024 - College of Charleston

March 2024 - Johnson and Wales, Charlotte Campus

Spring 2024 - South Carolina State