Education

Tourism works for education by providing millions of tax dollars used to fund teachers, school operations and school facilities. In South Carolina, a portion of our statewide sales tax has been dedicated to funding public education for many years. In 2008, the South Carolina General Assembly added a statewide sales tax to fund education. Likewise, Horry County voters replaced a portion of local school property taxes with a local-option sales tax. Every time a tourist shops in a local store, eats in a local restaurant or stays in a local hotel, they are helping to fund education in South Carolina.

State Funding in FY 2011-12

• Horry County School District - $137,895,019
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College - $6,500,000
• Coastal Carolina University - $8,591,599
• Note: while the above figures may not all be attributed to tourism funds, it’s helpful to note that tourism is a big part of the state’s education funding method.

Education Projects to be Funded with the 1% Tourism Fee

• Horry-Georgetown Technical College
• Coastal Carolina University

Tourism provides an excellent learning laboratory for students who seek internships, on-the-job training and field exercises. For those students looking to work part-time or full-time, tourism provides endless employment opportunities.