COLUMBIA -- While many programs in South Carolina will face cuts in a lean budget year, tourism may actually get a boost in state money.
For every $2 private businesses raise for tourism, the state will match $1 to promote the industry.
Right now, the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee has budgeted $5.4 million for this program. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce says the Grand Strand typically receives about half of that.
"Tourism is one of the bright spots in the state's budget. Every dollar spent on the state's tourism generates $77 of economic return. That means a higher tax base and more jobs along the Grand Strand. Tourism is a part of the state's budget solution, not the problem," said Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Dean.
The budget must be approved by the full House as well as the Senate.
If approved, funds must be spent out-of-state to attract new tourists to the Myrtle Beach area.
