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DESTINATION MANAGEMENT : TURNING CHALLENGES Into Opportunities

from Explore Charleston - Program of Work 2023-24

from Explore Charleston - Program of Work 2023-24, page 11

SPOTLIGHT markets

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!