COLUMBIA SC (May 11, 2022) – Experience Columbia SC launched its new industry website today – columbiasctourism.com –  showcasing how the organization promotes the Columbia region as a tourist destination. 

The website expounds upon the sister organizations that make up Experience Columbia SC and how each works to bring more than 14 million visitors to Richland County, Lexington County and the City of Columbia. From information about organizational structure and branding to economic impact, relocation and livability and marketing toolkits, the site offers a place for locals to join the organization on its journey to continue to make the Columbia region a well-known destination.

Having customer facing websites for Experience Columbia SC, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and ECSC Sports work great for inspiring travel to the region, but we wanted to create a place where our local stakeholders and partners could find resources to help them understand the impact of tourism and what our organizations are doing to drive visitation,” said Bill Ellen, ECSC president and CEO.

There has been an increased focus on local pride and marketing in the tourism industry. Destinations with stakeholders who are knowledgeable and engaged have a positive effect on visitor experience.  

There is a shift in the tourism industry for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to become more involved in the community and really consider locals to be one of our primary consumers, rather than just visitors.,” said ECSC Director of Marketing Kelsey Carmichael. “We wanted to create a place where we could not only explain the purpose of a DMO, but also provide resources for other organizations and individuals that need marketing tools to sell the Columbia region.” 

Local residents, hospitality partners, businesses, media and organizations can use the site to view brand guidelines, read press releases, access a media library, read testimonials, learn how to partner with ECSC and more. For more information, visit www.columbiasctourism.com.

Columbia SC tourism is comprised of a set of sister organizations responsible for various components of promoting and marketing tourism throughout Richland County, Lexington County and City of Columbia. The two sister organizations are made up of three branches (Experience Columbia SC, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Experience Columbia SC Sports), each with a specific set of responsibilities related to promoting and marketing the Columbia region.

About Experience Columbia SC:

Experience Columbia SC is the region’s destination marketing organization. We’re responsible for all marketing efforts intended to help more visitors discover all that makes Columbia the real Southern hot spot. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com.