Boasting beloved destinations like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, it's no secret that tourism is among the driving forces behind South Carolina's economy.
Therefore, state officials will be pleased with how 2015 has unfolded thus far.
The Palmetto State's tourism industry is on pace for another impressive year based on figures released by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the Associated Press reported.
The data, which was compiled by tourism trend-tracking company STR, shows that key indicators, including room occupancy, average room rates and revenue per available room were each up over the first half of 2015.
For the first six months of the year, revenue per available room came in just under $64.50, representing more than an eight percent increase over last year. What's more, the average room rate across the state through the first six months of 2015 was slightly over $103, signaling a six percent increase over the same period in 2014.
For perspective, the average room rate nationally stands at $119, per the AP.
Room occupancy is also up from last year across South Carolina. At 62 percent through the end of June, the figure has climbed two percent from the same six-month period last year.
Meanwhile, the total number of rooms sold from January 2015 through June 2015 is up nearly three percent over last year.
STR's forecasts for the remainder of the summer are every bit as promising, with the statewide occupancy rate expected to reach 70 percent this month before dipping to 62 percent in September. Both figures represent slight increases over the same months last year.
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