The 2024 SEC Women’s Tournament generated an estimated $18 million in economic impact. | Photo by GVLtoday
Chances are, if you haven’t typed those words in a comments section on social media, you’ve read them. Today, we’re talking tourism, and while the initial impact of visitors that come to mind is larger crowds on Main Street and the Liberty Bridge, there’s also a positive impact on your wallet.
According to VisitGreenvilleSC‘s annual report released last night, tourism:
Had a $2.5 billion economic impact last year
This figure signals visitors aren’t just staying in hotels — their dollars ripple into restaurants, retail, transportation, and entertainment.
Generated $201 million in visitor tax revenue
That means visitors directly subsidize resident quality of life, offsetting costs locals would otherwise bear.
Supports 1 in 25 jobs
It also funds $655 million in personal income, putting money directly into Greenville households through visitor-driven employment.
Saves Greenville households $931 per year in taxes
It’s not just money in the pockets of those working in hospitality. Tourism in our community saves you money as a local.
More visitors mean more dollars reinvested in the community we call home, supporting small businesses, jobs, and services that benefit residents. Tourism helps make Greenville the vibrant place where so many of us are proud to live.
Asked
Asked
What upcoming event will be the largest ever hosted in Greenville?
It’s official. “Top Chef” is looking for diners. Fill out the questionnaire for a chance to snag a seat. Note: Spots are limited, and filling out the form does not guarantee a spot.
Civic
A new Lake Conestee Dam is officially in service, two years ahead of schedule, stabilizing the old 1892 stone dam. The $47.5 million project prevents a possible breach that could have sent decades of industrial toxins downstream into Lake Greenwood. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Quoted
“We’ve been working on this for several years… we’re thrilled that we are at this point,” said longtime Paris Mountain resident Tommie Reece after Greenville County Council advanced stronger zoning protections to limit development, preserve trees, and protect the mountain’s natural landscape. (Greenville News)
Development
Yesterday, we told you The Daniel — Greenville’s tallest building — just got a refresh, and owners are hunting for tenants. About 80% of the 357,000-square-foot tower is leased, but new space is ready for office users and a future ground-floor restaurant. What kind of dining concept do you hope to see? Reply to this email to let us know. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Biz
PL Developments, a drug company, will lay off 114 workers at its Piedmont plant by late October — its second SC cut in a year. The pharma maker says it’s restructuring shifts for efficiency, adding 50 weekday positions while cutting weekend ones. The company closed its Clinton facility earlier this year. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Seasonal
Denver Downs Farm in Anderson County revealed its fall corn maze theme: country star Lainey Wilson. The farm is one of 36 nationwide participating in the “Get Lost with Lainey” campaign, where visitors can play trivia games in the maze and even enter to win a Vegas trip to see her live. (WYFF 4)
Outdoors
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the southern hognose snake as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Found in the Carolinas, the small, upturned-nose snake isn’t dangerous to humans but faces habitat loss, road mortality, and competition from non-native species — what to do if you see one. (Greenville News)
Feeling stressed by your long list of home repairs? Take a deep breath. Owners Choice Construction is offering a free home consultation to spot hidden problems — and they can tackle everything from urgent repairs to minor updates. Learn more + book.*
Community
Hey GVL, love local businesses as much as we do? Nominations for our GVLtoday’s Best competition open on Sept. 15. Help us gather who is the best of the best in each of our categories. Stay tuned for more details.
Shop
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
We go together like Stecca and more Stecca. Today at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, everyone’s favorite bread is BOGO all day. The beloved trailside business is celebrating 14 years since it opened. Bonus: It’s also dropping fall menu items today.
The chance to learn a new language during Babbel’s Best Sale of the Year. Turn your morning read into a new daily habit — with Babbel, 10 minutes a day builds real conversation skills you can use on your next trip or at the international festival downtown. Get lifetime access for $199 across all 14 languages.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is up to an estimated $1.7 billion, the third-highest prize in the game’s history. If you manage to land the fortune, just an idea, you could buy the most expensive home listed in the city limits. Don’t forget me when planning the housewarming party.
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