Record number of tourists visited Columbia area in 2022

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The number of visitors to the Columbia region increased from 15.1 million to 15.8 million in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by four percent, according to statistics compiled recently by Longwoods International and Tourism Economics.

The statistics also show that visitors’ spending in 2022 increased 12% over the previous year to $1.7 billion, generating a total economic impact of $2.6 billion in the Columbia region, according to a news release. Their total economic impact sustained more than 22,3000 jobs and generated $130 million in state and local tax revenues in 2022.

“The 1.7 billion in visitor spending means that nearly $4.7 million was spent by people visiting the Columbia region every day,” sid Bill Ellen, president and CEO of Experience Columbia SC. “Additionally, taxpayers would have to pay an additional $481 to replace visitor generated taxes received and local governments. What tourism does for the local economy is extremely impactful.”

Longwoods’ statistics also show that overnight visits to the Columbia area grew from 5.5 million to 5.7 million; visitor spending on food beverage accounted for $487 million, 29% of each visitor’s budget; visitor retail spending reached $356 million in 2022, making up 21% of visitor spending; transportation including air and other forms, added up to 18% of visitor spending; lodging accounted for $286 million or 17% of visitor spending and recreation and entertainment brought in $232 million, or 14% of visitor spending.

Sister organizations are responsible for promoting and marketing tourism in the city of Columbia, Richland County and Lexington County. The two sister organizations are made up of three branches – Experience Columbia SC, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Experience Columbia SC Sports.

“These numbers reflect the hard work and successful initiatives our team has engaged in this year – from innovative sales and marketing ideas to having a record-setting year at our convention center and gaining national exposure for Columbia at tradeshows and through sporting events,” Ellen said.

Over the past year, marketing efforts have included the continuation of the Experience Columbia SC Ambassador Program, now in its fifth year, which has gained both local and national attention; visitor trails like the Pimento Cheese Passport; marketing initiatives centered around driving people to stay in Columbia when attending The Masters and notable press and influencer coverage. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center welcomed 191,510 attendees generating 18,807 hotel room nights. The CMCC team contracted 352 events this past year, with contract values totaling over $1.5 million, which exceeds the previous record for booking revenue by 12 percent.