South Carolina's $16 billion tourism industry began to show signs of life following the Labor Day weekend.  Since Fleming Creative Group has a vast history of Resort Marketing in South Carolina, we've been monitoring the tourism in our markets quite closely this year.  And to our delight, Hilton Head saw a 7.5 percent increase in room occupancy so far this year according to Smith Travel Research.  Hilton Head was not alone in gaining momentum as Charleston was up 2.5 percent and Myrtle Beach up 1.4 percent from last year.  

With the positive outlook on tourism in our area, we've been ramping up our overall consumer advertising in South Carolina and more notably our client's efforts for marketing in Hilton Head, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach.  With print rates staying relatively the same at many of our major newspapers and publications in these markets, there is obviously more value in advertising our clients when we know there will be a major influx of tourists.  

This ideology couldn't be more true than with our retail marketing efforts.  Many of the retailers we represent feel much more comfortable allocating dollars for print, radio and broadcast marketing in South Carolina when tourism is strong.  And while we're not quite back to the glory days of American travel and tourism, the recent spike in travel is good news for thousands of small businesses on the Carolina coast.  

Our Email Marketing Consultants here at Fleming Creative have also noticed a higher email opening-rate with several of our recent vacation resort e-blasts.  Yet another sign that vacationers are more willing to travel this year.  For a glimpse at how FCG can help your business get in front of potential tourists and consumers in your market visit us at www.fcgadvertising.com