South Carolina African-American Tourism Conference to showcase future trends & innovations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina African-American Tourism Conference announced its 2024 theme, "Future Horizons: Trends and Innovations in African-American Tourism."

The event is scheduled for Oct. 4 through 5 at the Beatty Center, College of Charleston.

The conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for policymakers, experts, and state leaders in tourism to present and discuss the latest innovations, trends, and practical challenges facing African-American tourism. Attendees can engage with nationally renowned speakers and participate in workshops designed to inspire collaborative solutions for the industry's future.

"Our goal is to explore and implement strategies that will not only support the recovery of African-American tourism but also ensure its growth and sustainability," said Renee McDaniel, the communications director. "We invite all interested parties to join us in this vital conversation."

Conference sessions will be divided into two parts: Resource Development and Marketing/Tourism Promotion.

Topics will include A-tax grants for tourism and cultural arts programming, creating content, business development and loan programs, using AI in marketing and tourism promotion campaigns, and the role of convention and visitor bureaus in supporting Black tourism initiatives. A deeper dive into digital marketing will also be featured.

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