CHARLESTON (AP) -- South Carolina's new tourism chief says things are turning around for the state's $18 billion tourism industry.
Duane Parrish says the state could enjoy record tourism numbers this spring followed by double-digit growth during the next two years. He says things look good because of an improving economy, the spring after a hard winter and travel bargains.
Parrish was confirmed last week as the new director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
He says accommodations and hospitality taxes charged visitors can go a long way to help the state close its budget gap.
Gov. Nikki Haley has suggested moving South Carolina's 46 state parks into the Department of Natural Resources. Parrish say he will visit all the parks during the next six months and then report to the governor.
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