African- American Tourism Conference October 7 - 8, 2022

African-American tourists are responsible for a whopping $2.4 billion in economic impact for South Carolina.

The Annual African- American Tourism Conference is designed to show residents from cash poor but culturally rich communities, how to engage in the opportunities that exist within the tourism industry. It is also designed to show tourism Industry leaders how this niche can grow the overall industry by attracting millions of additional visitors interested in the African- American history and culture of our state. A timely synergetic investment by local/ state government, and regional visitor bureaus can serve as the catalyst to achieve this economic benefit.

On October 7-8, 2022 at the College of Charleston, Waterfront Hilton Garden Inn on Lockwood Blvd learn about opportunities to tap into the $20 Billion Dollar Tourism Industry. $2.4 Billion in African- American Tourism!

Meet the who’s who in the tourism industry and network about ideas, resources, and partnerships. Follow us or sign up for email updates.

Conference sessions include:

Pre-Conference Event

Black and Brown Interpreters and Tour Guides Meeting at Avery Research Center Team on Friday, October 7th at 10AM-1:30PM at Avery Research Center For African-American History & Culture

1) to introduce Black and Brown tourism professionals to certification with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and 2) to encourage collaboration around consistency in narrative and telling our own stories regarding the African experience in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Local & State Government Officials, Tourism Officials, & African- American Tourism Stakeholders Networking Event

Opening Reception

Live Band & Gullah Horderves on Friday Night, October 7th at 7 PM at Avery Research Center

This year's event kicks off with the inaugural opening reception held at the Historic Avery Research Center. The night will be filled with music, dancing, and laughter. The event will be catered by Hannibal's Kitchen who cracked the NY Times Top 50 List.

Courtney Young & Foresight Communications Team, SC Branding & Tourism Promotion Program on Sat, October 8th at 9 AM

Business Marketing Toolkit- SC African- American Tourism Visitors Guide- Branding Themes- Graphic & Video

Foresight Communications unveils the branding & tourism promotion campaign focusing on making the Gullah & Other SC Black Culture synonymous with South Carolina like Creole and Cajun is to Louisiana.

CLIMB FUND, City of Charleston MBE, SC Minority Affairs Commission, Raising Capital to Start or Expand on Sat, October 8th at 10 AM

This session will feature business loans programs aimed at underserved business, particularly those in minority communities. Learn about business planning and access to capital resources for entrepreneurial ventures.

Anita Joyce Prather aka Aunt Perlie Sue & Hilton Head

A-tax Grants: Funding For Your Tourism & Cultural Arts Programming on Sat, October 8th at 10 AM

This session will feature Hilton Head A Tax Administrator, and Member of the A Tax Committee as they discuss criteria as determined by state law, and insight on what committees are looking for in making funding decisions.

SCPRT's Becky Moore

SCPRT Tourism Grants & Programs on Sat, October 8th at 11:30 AM

Staff from SCPRT as they discuss their grants and tourism promotion programs.

 Greenville, Charleston, Florence, Columbia, & Hilton Head CVBs

Visitor Bureaus & How They Can Advance Your Tourism Initiative on Sat, October 8th at 11:30 AM

This session will feature local governments around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of their programming to promote tourism.

Social Media Influencers of South Carolina

Brunch & Business: Influencer Edition

Lowcountry Jazz Review by an Assortment of Gullah Musicians on Saturday, October 8 at 2 PM

This Day Party and Conference finale will honor some of South Carolina's most impactful social media influencers in food, fashion, music, & entertainment. Jazz Review Featuring Lowcountry Artist from Beaufort, Charleston, and Georgetown.

Tickets on sale at SCAAT.US