Forum discusses tourism in Aiken

Tourism officials in South Carolina gathered at the USC Aiken Convocation Center to discuss possibilities of a long-term state tourism initiative which could include a horse park in Aiken.

The South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department commissioned Irish consulting firm Tourism Development International to complete a statewide tourism action plan.

The consultants held an open forum was held Wednesday afternoon at the USC Aiken Convocation Center as a resource to gather information in an effort to raise public awareness for the communities' tourism product and identify the economic benefits of South Carolina.

The State Tourism Action Plan includes eight Product Development Areas, three on the coast, with the remaining five in the interior of the state. There has been a call for planning at the regional level. The Midwest Development Area is a four-month exercise the consultants started on Jan. 15.

Members of the community met with the consultants and discussed tourism-related topics, their impact and significance to Aiken and Edgefield counties, and what their long-term goals and vision are to help preserve attributes that have defined the character of product development areas.

The study referred to the Aiken, Edgefield. Bamberg, Barnwell, Allendale, Abbeville, McCormick, Laurens and Greenwood Counties as the Midwest Tourism Product Development Area.

This was the second forum in the Midwest Product Development Area, the first was held in Bamberg County.

One theme that was prevalent throughout the forum was the focus on Aiken's equine industry as a flagship program.

The concept of a horse park as a possible long-term goal was also a prevalent part of the evening's discussion.

In 2007, the legislature passed an appropriation for product development, said Marry Ann Keisler of Thoroughbred Country Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

"A part of that funding is now being used to develop detailed long-range plans for each of the eight product development areas," said Keisler, when addressing the audience.

A detailed analysis and sound market casework for each area will be part of the program that will include development ideas, to be presented to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department and steering groups, to make sure everyone will be properly represented, said Robert Cleverdon, Tourism Development International projects director.

The forum was used as a vehicle to move the process forward, identify priority actions and long-term plans.

TDI will work toward providing the state with a schedule of strong tourism development, through proper research that will be integrated to provide the state with a good program, said Cleverdon.

A community has to have product before it can develop tourism, and Aiken and Edgefield Counties have ample assets.

In addition to a thriving equestrian community, they have a rich heritage, historical sites, natural resources, a variety of recreational sports and quality restaurants, shops and hotels.

"The three coastal areas have three distinct coastal products," said Cleverdon. "The aim is for the other five interior development areas to look for opportunities to develop separate identities, so we can bring better economic benefit to the people in the inland areas to participate more fully in the economic benefits of tourism development."

TDI will be directing its energies to verify, expand and amend a listed series of projects that have been identified.

The significance of the area's history, large population of retirees, the skills they have to offer and bring to the community and their willingness to volunteer and Aiken's altruism and generosity were among the positive attributes recognized that have impacted the area's quality of life.

The forum made a defined distinction between participatory tourists and day visitors and their impact on the area.

Aiken is firmly established as a national equestrian area, but there was concern from the audience there may be too much focus directed toward the equine industry, and that too much growth would take away from the idyllic charm, ambience and the area's character.