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Myrtle Beach Today
By the People, for the People
South Carolina Tourism Leaders Gather for 61st Governor's Conference
Annual event celebrates industry accomplishments and honors top performers
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Hundreds of tourism industry leaders gathered at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on February 9-10 for the 61st annual South Carolina Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel, hosted by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT). The conference featured an agency update from SCPRT director Duane Parrish, who shared that the industry's annual estimated economic impact has reached $31 billion, employing 240,000 people and generating over $3 billion in state and local taxes.
Why it matters
The Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel is a key annual event that brings together the state's tourism destinations, accommodations, and attractions to connect, learn, and celebrate industry accomplishments. It provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role tourism plays in South Carolina's economy and quality of life.
The details
The conference opened with an agency update from SCPRT director Duane Parrish, who introduced team members and highlighted the agency's work supporting the industry, from film's 'set-jetting' role in inspiring travel to South Carolina State Park's historic Play it Forward budget request. Governor Henry McMaster was presented with the SCPRT Director's Award for his leadership and impact on tourism, recreation, and conservation. Other awards included the Fred Brinkman Award to Tim Todd of Discover Upcountry Carolina, the Governor's Cup to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, and the inaugural Duffy Award to SCPRT Chief of Staff Amy Duffy.
- The 61st annual South Carolina Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel was held on February 9-10, 2026.
- The 62nd annual Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel will be held in February 2027 in Rock Hill.
The players
Duane Parrish
Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT).
Henry McMaster
Governor of South Carolina.
Tim Todd
Executive Director of Discover Upcountry Carolina.
Amy Duffy
Chief of Staff at the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT).
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
South Carolina's newest PGA event.
What they’re saying
“Governor McMaster has been a champion of the state's tourism industry during his tenure, celebrating the vital role tourism plays in our economy and quality of life. Under his leadership, tourism has experienced record growth year after year.”
— Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
What’s next
The 62nd annual Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel will be held in February 2027 in Rock Hill.
The takeaway
The Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel is a critical annual event that showcases the significant economic and community impact of South Carolina's thriving tourism industry, which continues to grow under the state's leadership and collaborative efforts between destinations, accommodations, and attractions.
