Recent Media Coverage
The Columbian - May 1, 2019
Marriott to expand home-sharing business
“Airbnb and Marriott will always have separate core strengths, but the convergence will continue, predicts Daniel Guttentag, an assistant professor of hospitality management at the College of Charleston School of Business.” (Full-Text)
Bethesda Magazine - April 30, 2019
Marriott Continues To Get High Marks in Customer Satisfaction
“Daniel Guttentag, an assistant professor of hospitality management at the College of Charleston School of Business, said the shift toward online options is an indicator of societal changes around expectations of lodging.” (Full-Text)
GoDanRiver - April 29, 2019
Marriott to expand further into home-sharing
“Airbnb and Marriott will always have separate core strengths, but the convergence will continue, predicts Daniel Guttentag, an assistant professor of hospitality management at the College of Charleston School of Business.” (Full-Text)
Italy Daily Views Online - April 29, 2019
Marriott a espandersi ulteriormente in sede di condivisione
“Airbnb e Marriott hanno sempre distinto i principali punti di forza, ma la convergenza continuerà, predice Daniel Guttentag, un assistente professore di hospitality management presso il College of Charleston Scuola di Business.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 23, 2019
Despite drop in attendance, Charleston Wine + Food sets record for economic impact
“The March 6-10 festival contributed more than $18 million in economic impact to the Charleston area, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 5, 2019
Visitors to Charleston broke records again, exceeding 7.2 million last year
“The seemingly conflicting figures were attributed to changes in supply and demand, said Daniel Guttentag, the director of the college’s Office of Tourism Analysis, which compiles the annual report.” (Full-Text)
Verizon Communications - April 5, 2019
Virtual reality: you’ve never seen history like this before
“When you’re reading a book or information on a museum wall or listening to someone speak to you, you learn passively,” says Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor of tourism and hospitality at the College of Charleston.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 4, 2019
Why are so many hotels rising in Charleston? We found 12 reasons.
“Melinda Patience with the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis said its survey doesn't specifically ask if visitors are related to someone in the charleston area, but the office's surveys have found family and friends factor into the tourism equation.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - March 9, 2019
Seeing more tourists around town? Charleston's March visitor bump by the numbers
“Other March events like the Citadel Corps Day, Charleston Fashion Week, and the Festival of Houses and Gardens also give the month on edge on others, said Daniel Guttentag, director of CofC's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - March 9, 2019
Food, wine and more: Culinary Village offers thousands a taste of Charleston and beyond
“Those numbers translated to a $15 million economic impact for the Charleston area, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - February 23, 2019
Building a ‘place of pilgrimage’ at Charleston’s International African American Museum
“Once built, the project is expected to generate significant tourism activity. The College of Charleston has estimated the museum will have a $129 million annual impact.” (Full-Text)
PhocusWire - February 18, 2019
Home-sharing is ready to write its second chapter
“Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston’s School of Business and director of the Department’s Office of Tourism Analysis, believes that the market is leveling off.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - February 12, 2019
Why Mayor Tecklenburg has been unable to stop Charleston's 'hotelification' problem
“Significant icreases in hotel rooms often cause at least temporary dips in occupancy rates, said Daniel Guttentag, the director of the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - February 4, 2019
Occupancy down, but more nights sold than ever at Charleston hotels last year
"In some ways, that's the best indicator of the strength and success of the year," said Daniel Guttentag, the directors of the downtown school's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Governing - February 1, 2019
As Airbnb Battles Cities Trying to Regulate It, One State Joins the Fight
“Regulation is legitimization for them. They don’t want to be seen as illegitimate because that brings uncertainty as they move toward an IPO [initial public offering],” says Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor and director of the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - January 21, 2019
Airbnb hosts earned $111 million in SC last year, Charleston hosts earned half of that
“Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston, said he's not surprised Charleston raked in half the statewide revenue on Airbnb.” (Full-Text)
Travel Weekly - January 7, 2019
Dipping into home design makes sense for Airbnb
"We're seeing Airbnb moving more toward trying to establish quality assurance and offer more professionalized experiences," said Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston's School of Business and director of the department's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - January 6, 2019
Hotel slated for Charleston's Waterfront Park may move a step closer to approval
“The hospitality and tourism program also operates the Office of Tourism Analysis, which works with Explore Charleston to regularly provide research and metrics for the area's visitor industry, such as a monthly lodging analysis.” (Full-Text)
Kiplinger - January 3, 2019
The Traveler’s Guide to Home Sharing
“Reviews are often extremely positive,” says Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston.” (Full-Text)
U.S. News & World Report - December 24, 2018
High Tech in the Holy Land
"It has a lot of value in tourism, both for education and for entertainment," says Daniel Guttentag, assistant professor in tourism and hospitality at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, who has studied the use of virtual reality in the sector.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - December 2, 2018
Charleston hotel supply growth among fastest in the US, reports say
“Last month, hotel occupancy reached almost 78 percent in the Charleston area, according to figures from the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - October 25, 2018
Charleston hotel occupancy dropped sharply in September, but year still looks strong
“The College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis said the number of filled rooms fell to 60 percent last month compared to about 77 percent in August.” (Full-Text)
The Park Record - October 20, 2018
Amid influx of nightly rentals, Park City grapples with a changing community
“Recently city officials, along with Summit County and the Park City Chamber/Bureau, contracted a researcher in overnight accommodations, Brumby McLeod, to take stock of the local housing inventory in order to measure growth over time and plan ahead.” (Full-Text)
Roads & Kingdoms - October 11, 2018
20 Things to Know Before You Go to Charleston
“College of Charleston Associate Professor Wayne Smith studies Charleston tourism, and says that data suggests the quieter seasons are July through August and January through the beginning of February.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - October 9, 2018
Condé Nast names Charleston top US city for 8th consecutive year
“Tourism has an annual economic impact on the region of about $7.4 billion, according to research from the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - September 25, 2018
Charleston area's tourism loss from Hurricane Florence climbs sharply to $111M
“The Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston last week projected the region lost $65 million in visitor spending during Hurricane Florence.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - September 23, 2018
Myrtle Beach ready for tourists but waiting for floodwaters
“The College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis estimated a $65 million hit in Charleston alone.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - September 18, 2018
Charleston-area tourism expects $65 million loss from Florence
"It's about a $65 million loss," said tourism official Perrin Lawson, citingan estimate by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full-Text)
BBC Mundo - August 30, 2018
Qué impacto tiene en las ciudades Airbnb, la controvertida plataforma de alquiler temporal para turistas
“Daniel Guttentag es profesor asistente en manejo de hotelería y turismo en el College of Charleston, Carolina del Sur (Estados Unidos).” (Full-Text)
La Nacion - August 30, 2018
Qué impacto tienen en las ciudades los alquileres temporales de Airbnb
“Daniel Guttentag es profesor asistente en manejo de hotelería y turismo en el College of Charleston, Carolina del Sur (Estados Unidos).” (Full-Text)
BBC News - August 29, 2018
What Airbnb really does to a neighbourhood
“Daniel Guttentag is an assistant professor in hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston, South Carolina. He is also the director of the department's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - August 7, 2018
Charleston visitors, officials wary of loosened requirements for tour guides
“Tourism is the city's biggest money maker, with last year's economic impact estimated at $7.37 billion, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - August 3, 2018
Latest hotel reports show strong tourism market in South Carolina and Charleston
“The college's Office of Tourism Analysis reported 673 more hotel rooms in Charleston County at the end of June than a year earlier.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - July 10, 2018
Charleston ranked No. 1 US city by Travel + Leisure readers for 6th year in a row
“The College of Charleston's Office of tourism Analysis estimates the economic impact of tourism in the greater Charleston area last year at $7.4 billion, employing 40,000 workers.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - July 4, 2018
Future murky as for-profit Art Institute of Charleston halts enrollment
“Wayne Smith, chair of the College of Charleston's Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, said the Trident culinary program in particular has produced skilled graduates and likely saved local restaurants a fortune on training kitchen staff.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - May 26, 2018
Spoleto continues to keep Charleston on the world tourism map
“The College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis estimated Spoleto's economic impact in 2016 at $42 million, or about $2.5 million a day for the 17-day festival.” (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper - May 16, 2018
Selling Charleston
“Co-authored by College of Charleston hospitality and tourism professor Stephen Litvin and Laurie Alderson of the CACVB, the report details the strategies put in place to revive tourism in Charleston following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.” (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 22, 2018
Charleston County's hotel occupancy rebounds after January snowstorm closed airport
"Charleston County's hotel occupancy took a slight hit from the January snowstorm but recovered quickly, according to a report from the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 16, 2018
The past week in the Charleston economy
"Charleston Wine+Food Festival translated to more than $15 million in economic impact for the region, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 12, 2018
Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates record-setting attendance
"Record-setting attendance at this year’s Charleston Wine + Food Festival translated to more than $15 million in economic impact for the Charleston area, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Penn State News - April 9, 2018
Faculty Member uses data to help inform tourism decisions, improve local economy
"Pan conducted extensive consulting work with the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in his previous position as director of the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. The Charleston Area Tourism Bureau requested the study as the agency is researching ways to increase the presence of low-budget airlines in Charleston. Officials believe such an approach could increase tourism and boost the economy. In a separate study, Pan worked with Yang Yang at Temple University to determine the best modeling technique for forecasting weekly hotel occupancy combined with big data sources and validated the most accurate time series model. “Big data can help the hospitality industry predict the future more accurately and thus allocate resources or hire part-time employees accordingly. This leads to saved cost and increased profit for hotels,” Pan said." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – March 24, 2018
Editorial: Putting numbers on Charleston's short-term rental problem
"About 6.9 million people visited Charleston last year, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. That’s a 27 percent increase over the previous year — a jump probably too large to explain as simply an increase in traveler interest." (Full-Text)
Charleston Regional Business – March 21, 2018
Kiawah Resort unveils ‘Kiawah 2.0’
"According to a study by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, Kiawah Island Golf Resort currently makes a $202 million economic impact on the region. Warren said he predicts that when the new projects are complete, the resort could have an economic impact up to $500 million." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – March 15, 2018
No parking downtown? No problem, North Charleston mayor says in video
"About 7,700 hotel and restaurant employees work downtown, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Its survey last year found that about 80 percent of those workers drive to their jobs, and most end up paying for parking." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – March 14, 2018
Charleston visitor count up sharply as short-term renters are added to mix
"The estimate from the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis is a 27 percent increase from the 2016 estimate of 5.44 million visitors. In addition to short-term rentals, the report includes a better count of beach rentals." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – March 14, 2018
City defends parking meter increase as downtown employees turn out in protest
"According to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, roughly 7,700 people are employed by the city's 345 food and beverage establishments and 45 hotels." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – March 8, 2018
Charleston workers planning action as parking meter rates are set to double and enforcement expands
"According to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, roughly 7,700 people are employed by the city's 345 food and beverage establishments and 45 hotels. A hospitality workforce parking survey by the College found that 38.2 percent of the 503 respondents had gotten at least one parking citation in the past year." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – March 7, 2018
Downtown Charleston workers dread higher parking fees, but new bus service could offer solution
"A recent survey conducted by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis indicates that about 60 percent of downtown Charleston’s restaurant and hotel workers live outside the peninsula, and regardless of where they live, 80 percent drive their cars to work alone." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – February 28, 2018
Charleston hospitality leaders announce new plans to recruit workers
"The College’s Office of Tourism Analysis recently completed a wage study of 200 hospitality positions in 18 cities. For instance, Charleston is No. 8 in terms of pay for a hotel desk clerk, at $11.37 an hour for someone with a year’s experience." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – February 12, 2018
The F&BUS is Glenn Morehead's answer to the service industry's parking woes
"According to a College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis study, 60 percent of downtown restaurant and hotel employees live outside the peninsula, and they pay greatly for it. Many fork over between $25 to $100 a month for parking." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – February 5, 2018
Grapevine: Santee Cooper doubles down on lobbyists to tell its side of the nuke story
"In Charleston County, for instance, the market grew 284 guest rooms at the end of 2017 compared to a year earlier, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Born2Invest – December 24, 2017
The perks of booking direct with hotels vs using a discount middleman
"“We’ve certainly seen a trend of hotels increasingly using perks, guarantees, and advertising to encourage more direct booking and wrestle business back from the online travel agencies,” says Daniel Guttentag, the director of the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. The reason is simple. Direct bookings allow a hotel to keep more money because it doesn’t have to pay commissions to an agent." (Full-Text)
USA Today – December 3, 2017
Hotels offer perks if you book direct. But should you?
""We’ve certainly seen a trend of hotels increasingly using perks, guarantees, and advertising to encourage more direct booking and wrestle business back from the online travel agencies," says Daniel Guttentag, the director of the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. The reason is simple. Direct bookings allow a hotel to keep more money because it doesn't have to pay commissions to an agent." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – November 3, 2017
Is a park and ride the answer to hospitality workers' parking woes?
"Seekings' early guess is that the area allotted for the park and ride will likely max out at 250 spaces. Of course, according to College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, roughly 7,700 are employed by the city's 345 food and beverage establishments and 45 hotels. And Seekings is realistic that this one lot won't be able to cover them all. But this is a start that he hopes will lead to a push for more park and rides." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – October 25, 2017
Charleston tourism hit hard by scare from Tropical Storm Irma
"Hurricane Irma’s cone of uncertainty last month took a hefty chunk out of the local tourism business, according to figures from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – September 30, 2017
Coast is Clear: South Carolina's tourism industry working to make up losses after storm scares
"Hotels in Charleston County are usually 74.2 percent full the first week of September, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – September 27, 2017
The race to find equity and accountability for short-term rentals
"According to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, visitors to the Charleston tri-county area are most likely to be white, college graduates earning an upper-middle income. On average, tourists in Charleston spent $944 per adult per trip in 2015." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – September 25, 2017
Lawsuit against Charleston's tour guide license rule proceeds after judge refuses to settle it
"He cites a 2016 study by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis that "the Charleston area's history and historic attractions have remained and will presumably continue to be the most important factor in visitors' decision to visit Charleston."" (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 14, 2017
Restaurant workers unsatisfied with Charleston's temporary solution for high parking costs downtown
"About 7,700 hotel and restaurant employees work downtown, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Its recent survey found that about 80 percent of those workers drive to their jobs." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 14, 2017
Open house for renovated Charleston waterfront hotel includes donation for cancer patients
"County hotel occupancy and room rates continued to surpass the previous year in July, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 8, 2017
Date changes for 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island
"Dye-designed Ocean Course had an estimated economic impact of $193 million, according to the PGA and College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
SavannahNow – July 31, 2017
City Talk: Charleston parking study looks relevant for Savannah
"Researchers in the Office of Tourism Analysis at the School of Business at the College of Charleston recently released a detailed study of parking needs for hospitality workers on the peninsula. While the study deals only with downtown Charleston, it nevertheless reveals some interesting trends that seem similar to those in Savannah." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper – July 31, 2017
As sea levels rise, changes to the Low Battery will likely reverberate across the city
"The city's 2016 Peninsula Hotel Study found that hospitality and food and bev workers account for 34 percent of the workforce in the Charleston metropolitan area. According to a recent study by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis that examined how the city's hospitality workers commute downtown, more than 80 percent of those who took part in the survey drive to work alone — and over 40 percent make that trip from West Ashley." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – July 30, 2017
Study finds Charleston's hospitality workers are overburdened by high cost of parking downtown
"A recent survey conducted by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis indicates that about 60 percent of downtown Charleston’s restaurant and hotel workers live outside the peninsula, and regardless of where they live, 80 percent drive their cars to work alone." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – July 25, 2017
Charleston's tourism amenities also attract industry, according to panelists
"... hotel occupancy in Charleston County rose from 71 percent in 2012 to 76 percent in 2016, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – July 24, 2017
Latest Charleston County hotel report shows continued strength
"Charleston's hotel industry remains strong amid continued growth, according to the latest report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. In May and June, 186 more rooms were on the market in Charleston County than a year earlier, bringing the total number to 16,177. But the number of nights sold was up 3.6 percent in May, 0.5 percent in June and 2.3 percent for the year." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – July 11, 2017
Charleston area ranked No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada
"The No. 1 rankings continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area. Since 2012, the first year Charleston was awarded the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, the total economic impact of tourism is $4.2 billion according to a study in 2016 by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – May 12, 2017
The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is missing men
"This is the second year in a row that women apparently accounted for more than 70 percent of festival attendees; a gender breakdown wasn’t published in 2015. But Melinda Patience, research coordinator at the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, warns the results could reflect the fact that women tend to complete electronic surveys. “It is a trend with most of our general visitor and festival surveys to skew more female than male, especially when the survey is sent out to email addresses from ticket sales or information inquiries,” says Patience, one of three researchers who worked on the report.
She continues, “We haven’t done any specific research on it, but other research shows that women are more likely to respond to surveys and do most of the travel planning in general.”" (Full-Text)
FoxCharleston.com – May 8, 2017
Local Experts Weigh in on Offshore Drilling
"Wayne Smith from College of Charleston’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Eddy Moore, Energy and Climate Program Director at the Coastal Conservation League joined us to talk about both the environmental and economic impact offshore drilling could have on the Palmetto State." (Full-Text)
FoxCharleston.com – April 28, 2017
Coastal mayors take a stand against Trump plan to open Atlantic to offshore drilling
"The problem for many coastal leaders is that the risk of a potential spill poses a major threat to the area’s tourism industry — which in Charleston’s case brought in $3.7 billion in 2015, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis’ most recent study. Immediately following the signing of Trump’s executive order, Congressman Mark Sanford filed a bill that would suspend offshore drilling and all related activities in the waters off the East Coast for the next 10 years." (Full-Text)
AMHQ – February 4, 2017
Charleston's History in Jeopardy?
"Tourism is big business in cities such as Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. But rising seas levels may bury parts of the cities under water. Nick Walker and Kelly Cass talked with Prof. Wayne Smith from CofC Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management about what can be done to keep the cities from disappearing." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – January 23, 2017
Weddings a big part of Charleston's tourism economy
"The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis keep track of the economic impact of tourism, but none of them had any figures on the impact of weddings when contacted last week. To put 5,000 weddings in context, though, tourism officials estimated 5.1 million visitors to Charleston in 2015, for an economic impact of $3.7 billion and 41,000 jobs." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – January 13, 2017
Charleston County hotel numbers post strong finish for 2016
"Despite the hotel building boom in the Charleston area, occupancy was higher in 2016 than the year before, according to the latest report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Hotel occupancy in Charleston County averaged 75.7 percent in 2016, a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year. Occupancy increased despite adding 417 rooms to the inventory. The year ended with 16,038 rooms available, up 417 from the end of 2015. The number of room nights sold was up 5.2 percent from the previous year." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – November 13, 2016
Mount Pleasant hotel touts waterfront escape
"Bing Pan, head of research for the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis for the better part of the past decade, has left to take a position at Penn State.
The college is seeking a replacement, according to John Crotts, professor of tourism management and hospitality. Meanwhile, the staff will continue to produce the quarterly reports on local hotel occupancy, he said.
Pan's new position at Penn State in Happy Valley shows he an associate professor for tourism management in the College of Health and Human Development." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – October 17, 2016
Holy City still top choice for travelers
"Partly as a result of the publicity, the number of visitors to Charleston swelled from 4.22 million in 2010 to 5.15 million in 2015, a 22 percent jump, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – September 27, 2016
A more inviting Gibbes lures twice the visitors
"Travel + Leisure recently named Charleston the No. 1 city in the world. At least partly as a result, the number of visitors swelled from 4.22 million in 2010 to 5.15 million last year, a 22 percent jump, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – September 24, 2016
Report: Hotel occupancy strong amid rapid growth
"Despite the local surge in hotel construction, occupancy continues to remain above this time last year, according to the most recent report from the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.
Among the findings:
The occupancy rate for Charleston County in August was 75.4 percent, or 0.6 percent higher than the same period of 2015.
The average daily room rate was $141.04, up 3.1 percent.
The total number of available rooms was 16,038, a gain of 517 since August 2015." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 14, 2016
Charleston reveals irresistible charm as world’s friendliest city Holy City at top in Conde Nast rankings: ‘Southern hospitality lives,’ says one visitor
"At least partly as a result of the publicity, the number of visitors to Charleston swelled from 4.22 million in 2010 to 5.15 million last year, a 22 percent jump, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. Charleston has also gained a reputation as an international food destination." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 12, 2016
Inn traffic Suburban hotel boom fuels traffic concerns in Lowcountry
"Partly as a result of the publicity, the number of visitors swelled from 4.22 million in 2010 to 5.15 million in 2015, a 22 percent jump, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. The room supply rose just 7 percent in those five years — to 15,970 from 14,912." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier – August 6, 2016
Charleston County hotel occupancy strong
"Of the nearly 16,000 hotel rooms in Charleston County, almost 85 percent of them were full in June, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.
An occupancy rate of 84.4 percent is good by any measure, according to Dan Blumenstock, chairman of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Board. “That’s a strong occupancy percentage, in my opinion,” he said. "(Full-Text)
Post and Courier – July 6, 2016
Charleston really is the greatest city on Earth
"Since 2012, the first year the city picked up the No. 1 city in the U.S. and Canada from the magazine’s readers, Charleston’s tourism economy grew 14 percent to $3.68 billion last year, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston." (Full-Text)
Counton2.com – July 6, 2016
Charleston named best city in 2016 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
"Since 2012, the first year Charleston was awarded the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, the total economic impact of tourism has increased 14% to $3.68 billion in 2015 according to the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston." (Full-Text)
Counton2.com - May 30, 2016
2016 downtown Charleston tourism forecast
"According to a Charleston County Hospitality Forecast by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, the average daily rate of a downtown hotel will increase by about $5 this year, and the occupancy rate will drop slightly, from 79% of rooms filled to 77%." (Full-Text)
Charleston City Paper - May 25, 2016
City planners present hotel study findings
"Preserving Charleston’s urban core was the main topic of discussion during the presentation of the city’s 90-day hotel study at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Conducted by the Planning Department, traffic engineers, and the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, the study is intended to guide city officials in deciding how best to manage Charleston’s booming hotel industry." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - April 18, 2016
Grapevine: Subway adds some Charleston seasoning to new marketing pitch
Bing Pan, head of research at the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston, said in an email that the increase in the number of guest rooms in Mount Pleasant matches up with demand, according to percentages looking at 1994 to 2013." (Full-Text)
Charleston Mercury - April 1, 2016
The rising tide of tourism
"We must consider that in the last 20 years, tourism has increased more than 70 percent — and was up five percent just last year! More than 5,000,000 annual visitors come to Charleston and most of them come downtown. “The Tri-County benefits, but downtown bears the burden” of tourism, says Bing Pan, Head of Research at the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston’s School of Business. In other words, those carriages aren’t taking the tourists to the Citadel Mall." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - March 9, 2016
10 top moments in 10 years of Charleston Fashion Week
"In 2011, just as the country was beginning to heal from the Great Recession, city officials recognized what a cash cow Charleston Fashion Week had become. At a news conference, Riley announced the event was a “$1.7 million direct boost to the local economy.” Last year, the impact more than doubled to $3.5 million, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - February 29, 2016
Downtown Charleston’s hotel market: Is it oversaturated?
"“The hotel market is doing well,” said Bing Pan, head of research for the college’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Pan said he didn’t know how much more supply the city can handle." (Full-Text)
Post and Courier - January 31, 2016
Charleston County's 2015 hotel occupancy numbers slightly below last year's due to flood
"Overall, the average occupancy rate for Charleston County hotels for 2015 slipped to 73.5 percent, down 1.1 percent from 2014, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. The average daily rate climbed 5 percent to $143.75, the study found." (Full-Text)
ABCNews4.com - January 28, 2016
Full Text: North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey's State of the City
The North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston Area Convention Center and Performing Arts Center are tremendous attractions. In 2015 the three venues once again drew 1.5 million visitors. According to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, $54.4 million in direct local spending was attributable to the complex, a 1.3% increase over 2014. And using conservative estimates, the total economic output impact of the complex was $91.5 million, which included $30.1 million in wages earned locally, again an increase over 2014." (Full-Text)
Counton2.com - January 28, 2016
WATCH: Mayor Summey's North Charleston State of the City Address
"The North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston Area Convention Center and Performing Arts Center are tremendous attractions. In 2015 the three venues once again drew 1.5 million visitors. According to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, $54.4 million in direct local spending was attributable to the complex, a 1.3% increase over 2014. And using conservative estimates, the total economic output impact of the complex was $91.5 million, which included $30.1 million in wages earned locally, again an increase over 2014. (Watch It)
Charleston City Paper - November 18, 2015
Is it time to press pause on Charleston hotel development?
"Charleston residents have watched in recent years as the city has become one of the top tourist destinations in the country and by some accounts the world. According to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, the city welcomed 4.9 million visitors in 2014, and all those people need a place to stay. As the city's reputation has grown, so has its hotel industry, which has generated a healthy amount of revenue for the area. Averaging a daily rate of about $188 per room on the peninsula in 2014, the hotel industry contributed more than $8 million to the city through property taxes due to visitor spending." (Full-Text)
IslandPacket - September 8,2015
Good summer for beach towns in Charleston area
"Occupancy was up during May and June as well. The figures were compiled by the Office of Tourism Analysis of the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full-Text)
The Post and Courier - August 7, 2015Charleston hotel experts weigh in on flap over Expedia-Orbitz deal
"Bing Pan, the head of research at the College of Charleston’s tourism office, said that in most areas of e-commerce, it’s not unusual for the market to be dominated by a few key players, such as Amazon or Google." (Full Text)
The Post and Courier - August 6, 2015
Big crowds, more overnight stays reported at busy beaches
""The beach communities have done very well this year. It definitely was an improvement over 2014 for the last couple of months,” said Melinda Patience, research coordinator at the Office of Tourism Analysis of the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – June 1, 2015
FollyGras complaints from residents prompt Folly Beach to seek feedback
"Folly Beach’s economy has had an average annual growth rate of about 11 percent since 2009. That robust rate is much higher than similar Charleston-area beach communities as well as that of Charleston County, according to a report prepared by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. The study, released in April, does not estimate the economic impact of the island street festivals." (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – April 27, 2015
PGA Championship returning to Kiawah’s Ocean Course in 2021
"The 2012 tournament had an estimated economic impact of $193 million, including an estimated $75 million of media exposure, according to the PGA and College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 9, 2015
Study: 23,500 attended Wine and Food Festival
"The Charleston Wine and Food Festival’s 23,500 guests made a more than $9.2 million economic impact on the Lowcountry, according to data compiled by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 1, 2015
Charleston updates Tourism Management Plan
"Who are Charleston's visitors? Average Age: 51-52 (49.5% are full-time employed; 18.8% are retired); Arrive from: Regional: South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, and Florida....Tourism industry's impact in 2012: $205: spending per visitor, per day; 4.8 million: Visitor count, based on survey results and hotel room nights sold; $615 million; Lodging sales in Tri-county area; 16%: Contribution to city's economy....Source: College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis" (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – January 26, 2015
Summey, staff deliver State of the City address
"Summey said the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center attracted 1.5 million visitors in 2014, a 5% increase from 2013. According to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, $53.7 million in direct, local spending was attributed to the complex, a 14.5% increase from 2013, Summey said." (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – December 28, 2014
Find new ways to manage tourism
“Further, the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis recently found that Charleston has less tourism infrastructure than similar cities. The report is worth studying before the city moves forward.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – December 20, 2014
Final tourism management meeting ends with debate over Charleston cruise ships, volume of hotels.
“Another factor that played into the debate was a report released Thursday afternoon by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, which found that the level of tourism infrastructure in downtown Charleston is low compared to similar cities. Bing Pan, head of research with the office, said the city has "done a good job in the past 30 or more years on controlling tourism development in the downtown area," but that the overall growth of the industry in the Charleston area has put pressure on the confined historic district.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – September 27, 2014
Ocean Course teeing up for another PGA Championship?
“Warren said Kiawah was able to counter those theories in 2012. The tournament had an estimated economic impact of $193 million, including an estimated $75 million of media exposure, according to the PGA and College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – September 26, 2014
Tourism management committee sharpens its focus on traffic woes
“Plus, the number of people visiting Charleston has increased by nearly 70 percent over the past 20 years, at an annual rate of about 2.7 percent, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
ABCNews4.com – July 15, 2014
Organizers: 2014 Charleston Fashion Week saw record crowds
“Fashion Week officials announced Tuesday more people attended the 2014 event than ever before. They said those record-breaking numbers, along with sponsor participation and international media attention, resulted in a boost to the local economy to the tune of $3 million.
That number was determined by a survey conducted by the Office of Tourism Analysis at The College of Charleston and is up from last year's total of $2.6 million.” (Full Text)
Historic Charleston Foundation – July 1, 2014
Economic Impact of 2014 Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens and Antiques Show exceeds $6.6 million
“2014 spring Festival of Houses and Gardens and Charleston Antiques Show recorded a boost to the local economy with an impact of over $6.6 million. According to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, this impact study represents a 3.85% increase over 2013.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – June 1, 2014
A needed chance to analyze tourism
“A survey done by the Office of Tourism Analysis of the College of Charleston School of Business reveals that Charleston residents appreciate tourism's economic, social and cultural benefits. That is important, according to the analysis, because the public's friendliness is key to visitors enjoying their stays here.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – May 29, 2014
Curbing the growth: Charleston rolls out speed bumps to slow surging tourism industry
“The region attracted about 4.8 million visitors in 2012, according to the latest study by the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – April 8, 2014
Charleston Wine + Food Festival Economic Impact Results
“The numbers are in and this year the Charleston Wine + Food Festival reports a $9.8 million economic impact. Last year it was $10.7 million, up more than $2 million from 2012, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – April 7, 2014
Public restrooms, events management key issues at Tourism Management Forum
“Attendees were instructed to write their questions on note cards which were drawn at random by a moderator. A handful of those questions were posed to the panel, which included Keane; Vanessa Turner Maybank, the city's director of tourism; Katherine Robinson, chairwoman of the tourism advisory committee and CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation; and Bing Pan, the head of research with the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – April 6, 2014
City of Charleston to update its strategy for managing tourism, invites feedback from community
“Last year, Charleston played host to 414 events, up an eye-opening 63 percent from 2011, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – March 22, 2014
Two tied in Emerging Designers Competition, first time in Charleston Fashion Week history
“Last year's event, attended by 7,5000 people, had a $2.6 million impact on local commerce. A poll of attendees last year revealed that 90 percent of those from out-of-town came to Charleston specifically for the fashion event, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – March 18, 2014
Ice storms blamed for low hotel occupancy on Peninsula
“Charleston County’s hotel occupancy rose 6.9% to 68.8% in February when compared with the previous year, according to Smith Travel Research data released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – March 15, 2014
A business proposal: Holy matrimony in the Holy City
“Hotels aimed at attracting wedding parties are somewhat of a novel trend, said Wayne Smith, a professor and researcher with the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. "The destination weddings coming here, they are spending significant dollars," Smith said. "Everyone thinks destination weddings don't bring in money. It's true they may not buy their dresses here, but they're the ones buying hotel rooms, extending stays here, renting cabs and buses, so the tourism coming off of those weddings is there." (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – March 12, 2014
Charleston County hotels weathered February storms, sold more rooms than last year
“The monthly occupancy report for local hotels prepared by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis found that hotels were about 69 percent occupied in February, which was nearly 7 percent stronger than February of 2013.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – March 3, 2014
Charleston hotels weathered winter storms in January, reported strong performances
“Despite the Polar Vortex storm that threw a wrench into many traveler’s' plans that month, Charleston County hotels were 56.5 percent occupied in January, an 8 percent increase from the same month a year ago, according to the monthly hotel occupancy report prepared by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – February 27, 2014
Charleston County hotel occupancy rate up 8.2% for January
“Charleston County’s hotel occupancy rose 8.2% to 56.5% in January when compared with the previous year, according to Smith Travel Research data released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – January 14, 2014
Charleston County hotel occupancy rate up 11.4% for December
“The county's occupancy rate in December was nearly 54 percent, about 11 percent higher than the same month a year ago, according to the monthly occupancy report by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – January 14, 2014
December a 'very high note' for Chas. County hotels
“Charleston County’s hotel occupancy rose 11.4% to 53.9% for December, compared with the previous year, according to Smith Travel Research data released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – December 23, 2013
November another strong month for Lowcountry hotels
“Hotel owners in Charleston County made gains for the third month in a row in November, according to a monthly report by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – November 14, 2013
Charleston hotel occupancy up 5%
“Charleston County’s hotel occupancy rose 5.1% to 78.4% for October compared with the previous year, according to Smith Travel Research data reported by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis and the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – October 15, 2013
We're No. 1! Charleston named top tourist destination in US for third consecutive year
“The tourism industry added $3.58 billion to Charleston's economy in 2012, about $3.6 million more than the previous year, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. About 4.83 million tourists visited the city last year, up 17 percent since 2008.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – September 16, 2013
Charleston County hotels saw 3 percent dip in occupancy in August versus year ago when PGA Championship filled rooms
“Charleston County lodgings reported a 3 percent decrease in occupancy last month compared to August 2012. The overall rate came in at 72.2 percent, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – September 10, 2013
Charleston hotel occupancy down 3%
”Charleston County’s hotel occupancy was down 3% to 72.2% for August compared to the year prior, according to Smith Travel Research data reported by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis and the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – August 14, 2013
Charleston County hotels report ‘banner’ July; occupancy nearly 80%
“East Cooper’s average daily rate climbed to $134.73, or 14.8 percent, over July 2012, while revenue per available room came in at $110.46, up 19.8 percent, according to the monthly hotel occupancy report prepared by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – June 17, 2013
Helen Hill: Right person to welcome visitors to Charleston
“The College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis estimates that 4.83 million visitors brought in $3.58 billion to the Charleston area…” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – June 8, 2013
Charleston hotel occupancy rose 1.3 percent in May
“Boosted by Spoleto Festival USA and the usual surge of spring visitors, hotel occupancy was a healthy 77.5 percent in May, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Historic Charleston Foundation – June 4, 2013
Economic Impact of 2013 Festival
“According to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, this preliminary impact study represents a 13% increase over 2012.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – May 17, 2013
April hotel occupancy slipped in Charleston County because of more rooms
“Occupancy slipped 0.3 percent to 84.9 percent over April 2012, according to a new report by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full Text)
CACVB Travel Council – May 14, 2013
Tourism Research
“The good news / bad news truth of research is that the more you have, the more you want! Tourism is no exception, and the CACVB has expanded its tourism research efforts every year to make even better use of the abilities of the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis (OTA). With topics ranging from total economic impact to what people like best about Charleston, the OTA is on the job giving us the data we need to make good marketing decisions and assess the results.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 16, 2013
Charleston County hotels report higher room prices in March
“The 1% increase in room prices represents 27 consecutive months of year-over-year increases, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. The occupancy rate, meanwhile, jumped a slight 0.7% for Charleston County hotels.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 8, 2013
Charleston Wine & Food Festival reports economic impact growth
“The Charleston Wine & Food Festival increased its economic contribution to the community by more than $2 million this year, according to a preliminary report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – April 5, 2013
Charleston Wine + Food Festival’s economic impact rose 25% over last year
“The economic impact on the local economy from the recent BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival shot up nearly 25 percent over last year, according to a preliminary study by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – March 14, 2013
Hotel occupancy slipped 1.5% in Charleston County in February
“Charleston County’s hotel occupancy rate slipped to 64.8 percent with about 7,750 fewer room nights sold in February compared to the same month a year ago, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis and the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – February 14, 2013
Increased inventory leads to decline in Charleston County hotel occupancy
“The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis attributed increased inventory as the reason for the drop in occupancy. The report shows that the number of room nights sold in the county actually increased by about 1,500 nights or 0.6%.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – February 13, 2013
Charleston County hotel occupancy slipped in January
“Charleston County had 15,174 rooms in January. That was up by 184 rooms over the previous year, according to reports by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – January 9, 2013
Charleston-area hotels report growth in occupancy rates, room prices
“Charleston-area hotels finished the year strong by growing occupancy rates and room rates in December, according to data released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – December 11, 2012
Charleston-area hotels report growth in occupancy rates, room prices
“November hotel revenues, room prices and occupancy rates were all up on a year-over year basis for every submarket in Charleston County, according to a monthly report issued by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – November 28, 2012
How Charleston became the best damn city on the planet
“And research compiled by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston states that more than 1.6 million people visited Charleston area attractions in 2011, with a total admission tax of $5,832,766 collected in the tri-county area.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – November 19, 2012
Lowcountry hotel occupancy down in October, room prices increase
“Hotel occupancy across Charleston County fell year over year in October while room prices increased, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. West Ashley was the only submarket to post an increase in occupancy last month.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – November 14, 2012
How Would Pot Tourism Impact Charleston?
“Unfortunately, it's a question that, as of now, can't be answered. Let's face it: South Carolina is nowhere near legalizing it. This state isn't populated by the same kind of hippie riffraff as the West. Therefore, we can't blame the Charleston Visitors Bureau or the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis for not having looked into the topic.” (Full Text)
Patriots Point – September 20, 2012
Patriots Point concludes successful year; Posts significant increase in numbers, revenue
“With an estimated annual economic impact of $50 million, including nearly $18 million in employee income (source: 2011-2012 Patriots Point Intercept Survey Report, College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis), Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) is a critical cog in the hospitality industry in the Lowcountry.” (Full Text)
Patriots Point – September 17, 2012
A Letter from Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette
“A report released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis highlighted our significant economic impact on the Lowcountry and State of South Carolina. The report stated that our estimated economic impact is $50 million on an annual basis, including nearly $18 million in employee income (source: 2011-2012 Patriots Point Intercept Survey Report, College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis).” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – September 13, 2012
PGA boosted Charleston County hotel occupancy in August
“The lodging industry saw an increase of 7.4 percent in occupancy and sold about 25,600 more room nights last month compared to August 2011, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – September 7, 2012
August hotel figures boosted by PGA
“The PGA Championship helped Charleston-area hotels post strong occupancy and room rates for August, according to numbers released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Peninsula hotels led all submarkets with an occupancy rate of 80.4%.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – August 21, 2012
PGA boosts Charleston hotel occupancy
“Charleston County hotels reported a 12.4% increase in occupancy rates and a 30.9% increase in room prices during the week of the 2012 PGA Championship, held Aug. 6-12 at Kiawah Island. Meanwhile, the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis reported a drop in occupancy for the month of July.” (Full Text)
The Charlotte Observer – August 20, 2012
Visitor spending more fiction than fact
“The College of Charleston last year studied the economic impact of Charleston’s convention center. Its survey of convention attendees found that each person spent $168 a day – far less than the CRVA’s $314 estimate.
“$314 sounds very high to me,” said Bing Pan, a College of Charleston associate professor and head of research in the Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – August 16, 2012
Charleston County hotel rates up; occupancy down in July
“The latest figures from the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston show the county sold 7,700 fewer room nights last month compared to a year ago and hotel occupancy slipped 3.5 percent to 78 percent.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – August 8, 2012
The Post-Husk Era
“Last year was a good one for tourism, rebounding from the recession dip with surging hotel occupancy rates. But according to figures from the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis, hotel occupancy was down 2.6 percent this May over last year, suggesting that the flow of tourism dollars won't be ever-rising. Our population has increased a little — about 15 percent over the past decade — but it's hardly a boomtown expansion.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – August 3, 2012
PGA Championship bringing $193M economic impact
“A report from the PGA and the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis forecasts that the championship will generate an economic impact of $193 million for South Carolina. About 210,000 people are expected to visit the golf course over the course of the week, bringing with them $92 million in direct spending, $26 million in labor income, and $75 million worth of media exposure. The tournament will receive more than 150 hours of television coverage, and it will be broadcast in 580 million households worldwide. Tickets started selling two years in advance.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – July 18, 2012
Occupancy down, prices higher for Charleston County hotels
“Lower occupancy at Charleston-area hotels is not leading to a reduction in pricing, according to a monthly report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. The report found a 2% slip in occupancy in June and a 5.6% increase in room prices.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – June 25, 2012
Fashion week had $2.4M impact
“The sixth annual Charleston Fashion Week had a $2.4 million impact on the local economy, according to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. It is estimated that out-of-town guests to the event spent on average $2,000 and residents attending spent $700.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – June 19, 2012
Lowcountry hotels see fewer guests, higher room rates in May
“Charleston-area hotels saw an across-the-board dip in occupancy rates for May, but increases in room prices, according to figures released by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Charleston County recorded the third-highest room rates ever at $136.39.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier – May 14, 2012
April occupancy rates put a spring in hotel owners’ step
“Charleston County hotels reported occupancy at 85 percent, the third-highest monthly rate ever, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston School of Business.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – May 10, 2012
Area hotels post strong numbers for April
“Charleston County hotels recorded their third highest monthly occupancy rates ever and their second highest average daily room rates ever, according to a monthly report prepared by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.” (Full Text)
Charleston City Paper – April 27, 2012
Wine + Food fest grows and asks for ideas
“The College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis has run the numbers, and they're getting bigger and better every year. Overall, the festival saw an increase in attendance, total spending, and economic impact.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 18, 2012
Wine and Food Festival brings $8.6M to Charleston economy
“The 2012 Wine and Food Festival’s impact on the Charleston economy is up 17.8% from 2011, according to a preliminary economic impact study conducted by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. The festival was attended by 21,250 guests.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – April 11, 2012
Peninsula hotels break March occupancy records, lead Charleston submarkets
“Peninsula hotels recorded the highest occupancy rates and daily room rates ever for March, according to a monthly report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Those hotels posted an occupancy rate of 86.8% for the month and an average daily rate of $182.76.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – March 13, 2012
Peninsula leads February hotel occupancy, room revenue
“The peninsula posted strong February hotel occupancy and room revenue figures according to a monthly report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Charleston County reported growth in both occupancy rates and room revenues over 2011.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – February 9, 2012
Peninsula posts strong January hotel occupancy numbers
“According to the latest monthly report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, Peninsula-area hotels posted strong occupancy and room rate figures for January.” (Full Text)
Bohemian.com – January 25, 2012
Searching in the Dark
“We're often told that young people tend to be the most tech-savvy among us. But just how savvy are they? A group of researchers led by College of Charleston business professor Bing Pan tried to find out.
Specifically, Pan wanted to know how skillful young folks are at online search. His team gathered a group of college students and asked them to look up the answers to a handful of questions. Perhaps not surprisingly, the students generally relied on the web pages at the top of Google's results list.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal – January 16, 2012
East Cooper, West Ashley see gains in hotel occupancy report for 2011
“East Cooper hotels saw the greatest year-over-year increases in occupancy rates for 2011, while West Ashley hotels saw the greatest growth in room prices according to a monthly report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. Charleston County finished the year with gains in both occupancy and room rates compared to 2010.” (Full Text)
The Post and Courier - November 21, 2011
Firefly co-creators open resort in Bahamas
"Charleston County's hotel occupancy rate dropped slightly in October, partly because the supply of rooms grew since last year. The county registered 1,800 more room nights sold than in October 2010, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business. Even so, the occupancy rate slipped 0.2 percent to 75 percent. The average daily rate increased 7.9 percent to $129.65 while the revenue per available room rose 7.5 percent to $97.26 compared to October 2010, according to the college." (Full text)
Forbes.com – November 14, 2015
Your Search Results Are Only As Good As Your Knowledge
“We’re often told that young people tend to be the most tech-savvy among us. But just how savvy are they? A group of researchers led by College of Charleston business professor Bing Pan tried to find out. Specifically, Pan wanted to know how skillful young folks are at online search.” (Full Text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - November 10, 2011
Occupancy up in most submarkets, down for the county
"All parts of Charleston saw increases in occupancy rates during October, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis. The peninsula saw the highest occupancy rate, at 88.7%, an increase of 5.2% over last year. West Ashley and East Cooper followed, with occupancy rates of 78.4% and 68.4%, respectively." (Full text)
Wired - November 1, 2011
Clive Thompson on Why Kids Can’t Search
"We're often told that young people tend to be the most tech-savvy among us. But just how savvy are they? A group of researchers led by College of Charleston business professor Bing Pan tried to find out. Specifically, Pan wanted to know how skillful young folks are at online search. His team gathered a group of college students and asked them to look up the answers to a handful of questions. Perhaps not surprisingly, the students generally relied on the web pages at the top of Google’s results list.
But Pan pulled a trick: He changed the order of the results for some students. More often than not, those kids went for the bait and also used the (falsely) top-ranked pages. Pan grimly concluded that students aren't assessing information sources on their own merit—they're putting too much trust in the machine." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - October 17, 2011
Business Grapevine
"The number of heads in beds at Charleston County hotels increased year over year in September, stopping a two-month slide. Occupancy increased by 3 percent over the same month last year to 70.7 percent as the county is estimated to have sold about 10,200 more room nights than September 2010, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business."
Charleston Regional Business Journal - September 19, 2011
East Cooper, West Ashley see gains in hotel occupancy report
"East Cooper led Charleston County in year-over-year increase in hotel room rates in August, while West Ashley had the largest year-over-year increase in occupancy, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - August 15, 2011
WARREN WISE: Hotel occupancy drops
"For the first time in 19 months, Charleston County's hotel occupancy rate dropped in July over the same period a year earlier. Occupancy was down 1.7 percent last month to 80.7 percent as the county is estimated to have sold about 4,900 fewer room nights than last year, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - August 10, 2011
East Cooper shines bright for July hotel occupancy
"The number of hotel rooms sold in the Mount Pleasant area rose by 2% in July, according to a report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, and those rooms went for 12.1% more than in the same month last year. That resulted in Mount Pleasant hotels posting the highest increase in revenue per room for the month, at 14.5%, even though hotel rooms on the Charleston peninsula were most expensive in the region, at $126.12 a night. East Cooper also showed a 2.1% increase in occupancy rate." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - July 18, 2011
Hotel occupancy flat in June
"For the first time in 18 months, hotel occupancy in June in Charleston County did not increase over the same period last year. It remained unchanged at 78.5 percent, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full text)
Golfweek - June 27, 2011
’12 PGA: $92M direct-spending impact for S.C.
"Taking into account other factors such as value of media exposure, labor income and tax revenue, the event – based on seven days of tournament-related activities – is estimated to generate a total economic impact of $193 million for the state of South Carolina.
The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis used equivalent data for similar events in conjunction with sales information from the PGA office to calculate the economic impact. The college faculty subtotaled the direct and indirect effect of the tournament on Charleston and the state. They also evaluated impact on employment rates and labor income." (Full text)
USA Today - June 24, 2011
2012 PGA Championship to have big economic impact
"Because of The Ocean Course's location — on the edge of a barrier island off the Atlantic Ocean — planners capped attendance at about 27,000 people per day, including golfers, caddies, support personnel and spectators. Tickets went on sale last year through an online registration system unique to all PGA championships. The results were a near sellout, leading forecasters at the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis to increase their impact projections by about $8 million.
The economic study breaks down the impact like this: $92 million will come from the direct visitor spending; $26 million comes from labor income, which is calculated from 832 jobs; and $75 million from media exposure with more than 154 hours of planned TV coverage." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - June 24, 2011
PGA: 2012 championship at Kiawah Island expected to generate $193 million for Lowcountry, state
"In order to estimate the economic impact of the tournament on Kiawah Island, the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis used equivalent data for similar events in combination with current sales information from the PGA office. Bing Pan and Frank Hefner from the college subtotaled the direct and indirect effect of the tournament on Charleston and the state. They also looked at how the impact will change employment rates and labor income." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - May 16, 2011
Hotel-occupancy rates up in Charleston County
"Hotel occupancy grew year over year in almost every area of Charleston County in April, but most notably in Mount Pleasant. East Cooper hotels reported a 7.7 percent rise in rooms sold over April 2010, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - May 12, 2011
Charleston hotel occupancy rises to 86% in April
"Charleston County hotels saw an average 3% increase in both occupancy rate and total roomnights sold during April.
Average occupancy for the month was about 86%, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, prepared for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau." (Full text)
The Sun News - May 9, 2011
Food festivals gain foothold across South Carolina
"A recent event in Charleston provides a glimpse of the monetary jolt a grand party around food can have.
More than 19,000 people attended The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival held March 3-6. The event made a $7.3 million contribution to the local economy, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Business School.
'Food festivals bring tourists to South Carolina that might not otherwise visit as often or at all,' said Erika McMillan, spokeswoman for The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival. 'A survey conducted by [The Office of Tourism Analysis] found that 13 percent of our non-local ticketholders have never visited Charleston before and 80 percent of respondents said that they are highly likely to attend the festival again. We are capturing first-time and repeat visitors, which directly [affects] the state's economy.'"
The Post and Courier - April 25, 2011
Hotel occupancy has risen in March
"Hotel occupancy grew year over year for every area of the county in March, most notably on the Charleston peninsula at more than 3 percent, according to numbers from the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business." (Full text)
TheDigitel.com - April 19, 2011
Charleston's hotel occupancy rates holding strong at 77%
"According to the recently released report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, Charleston County hotels averaged 77% occupancy during March 2011 -- that's up 3% from last year." (Full text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - April 18, 2011
Charleston Co. hotels report 77% occupancy in March
"Hotels in Charleston County averaged 77% occupancy during March, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.
March’s average occupancy, an indicator of tourism and business travel activity, is up 3% from last year. Hotels collectively sold about 11,300 more roomnights in March 2011 than in March 2010." (Full text)
TheDigitel.com - April 13, 2011
Updates from the 2011 Wine + Food Festival (economic impact revealed)
"The numbers are in and according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Business School, the 2011 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival made a $7.3 million impact on the local economy." (Full text)
Live5News.com - April 13, 2011
Study shows Wine + Food Festival continues to grow
"Based on the results of the 2011 Economic Impact Study conducted by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, the 2011 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival has increased its economic impact to the Charleston area by 2.1 million." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - April 13, 2011
Wine + Food Festival economic impact more than $7 million
"The results are in and, as expected, the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival left a record economic impact in the city this year, topping 2010 by more than $2 million.
The Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Business School found that the event, which concluded its sixth year, made a $7.3 million contribution to the local economy. The festival saw higher attendance, including more nonlocal ticket holders, this year." (Full text)
Anderson-Independent Mail - April 8, 2011
Civil War events boost busy SC tourist season
"The events will just help South Carolina's $18 billion tourism economy that is steadily recovering from the Great Recession.
'Even if we didn't have Civil War events this weekend would probably be huge,' said Kevin Smith, a researcher in the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management."
Summerville Journal Scene - March 29, 2011
Tracking attendance
"College of Charleston professor Dr. Bing Pan and his students will be tracking the number of attendees at this year’s festival. The [head] of research in the Office of Tourism Analysis, Pan will enlist four to five students per day from his Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism class to collect email addresses for a survey." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - March 21, 2011
Wine + Food Festival builds drawing power
"Last year's Wine + Food left more than double the impact on the local economy than in 2009, according to a study by Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston School of Business.
This total contribution to Charleston businesses in 2010 rose from less than $2.4 million to nearly $5.1 million year over year, researchers found." (Full text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - March 15, 2011
County hotels see 12 months of increases
"Charleston County hotels had another month of year-over-year improvements in February, sealing a 12-consecutive-month streak in occupancy increases.
Occupancy numbers for county hotels have increased every month since March 2010, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis prepared for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - February 24, 2011
Bigger crowd goes wild: SEWE sees boost in attendance, sales but budget deficit likely to remain
"SEWE makes a $38 million impact on the local economy, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Business School." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - February 17, 2011
OUT OF HIBERNATION: Mild weather, high hopes kick off wildlife expo, tourist season
"A 2009 survey from the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's Business School found that about three-fourths of [SEWE] attendees had come for the event before and that nearly everyone arrived by private car, meaning they live within driving distance. The report showed that nearly half the crowd hails from the Carolinas, with Georgia, Florida and Tennessee accounting for most of the rest." (Full text)
Charleston Regional Business Journal - February 15, 2011
Local hotel business continues improvement in January
"Average occupancy among Charleston County hotels was 49.5% during January, an improvement of 3.4% from January 2010.
Hotels in the county sold 9,500 more room-nights than in January 2010, an increase of 4.4%, according to a monthly report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, prepared for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau."
Charleston Regional Business Journal - January 13, 2011
Hotel occupancy rose 9% in 2010, continuing trend in Charleston County
"Hotel occupancy in Charleston County continued its recent upward trend during December, contributing to a 12-month increase in average occupancy of 9%.
The average occupancy rate for December was 46.5%, which was up 11% from 2009, according to a report from the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau." (Full text)
The Post and Courier - January 12, 2011
Charleston-area hotels enjoyed big 2010, expect more in '11
"The numbers are in and, after a painful 2009, Charleston County made a major comeback in hotel room sales in 2010, most notably in the north area.
Occupancy grew nearly 9 percent year over year, after dropping 8 percent the year before, according to numbers from the Office of Tourism Analysis in the College of Charleston's School of Business. The North Charleston area experienced a more than 13 percent increase, after plummeting by the same amount the year before."
