Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

In an interview with Invest:, Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, highlighted new developments across the state’s parks and welcome centers, upcoming park projects, record-breaking tourism growth, and innovative uses of technology to enhance visitor experiences and operations.

What new developments have there been for South Carolina’s state parks and welcome centers?

Our most recent developments include opening a new state park in the Charleston area and rebuilding three of our welcome centers from the ground up. The new centers replace outdated facilities and serve as the critical first impression for visitors coming to South Carolina. Whether people are just passing through on I-85 or I-95 or planning to stay, these welcome centers give them an immediate sense of the state. We’ve updated not only the technology but also the architecture, reflecting each region’s character. For example, in the Pee Dee region, we designed a new building that resembles a traditional tobacco barn, a drastic change from the institutional look of the original buildings.

What are some of the upcoming projects for new state parks?

Along with the new park, we opened last year, we’ve secured land and started planning and development for five additional state parks. This expansion will take us from 48 parks up to 53 over the next few years. These new parks include some truly unique places, like Black River State Park, which will span 70 miles of the Black River from Kingstree all the way to Georgetown. This linear park will have several distinct parcels, so visitors can kayak, canoe, or paddle down a long stretch of river — an experience where you could spend up to a week on the water. We’re also working on converting a former convent into an event venue with lodging, and we’re set to open an island park on Lake Murray, one of South Carolina’s most popular lakes for recreation, next spring.

How has South Carolina’s tourism industry performed over the past year?

Since 2022, we’ve been setting new records in tourism every year. It’s now a $30+ billion industry, making it one of the largest in South Carolina. We’re seeing growth across all sectors — whether it’s food and beverage, golf, outdoor recreation, or general tourism. Golf, which had been flat before COVID, has made a strong comeback. So, it’s been a record-breaking year for us, with every area of tourism seeing impressive numbers.

How has your organization balanced tourism growth with conservation efforts?

Tourism and conservation aren’t a zero-sum game for us. In our state parks, stewardship of resources and preservation are central — we don’t cut down trees unless it’s necessary, like after a hurricane. Viewshed protection is always a top priority for our state parks and enjoying the scenic views is a primary motivator for state park visitation.  Visitation exposes people to these beautiful natural areas, helping them learn about conservation, and it motivates public support for preserving these spaces. The admissions fees, campsite and cabin reservations that our state park visitors pay directly support our conservation efforts. More visitation means more revenue, which we can reinvest in preservation, so they’re not mutually exclusive.

As we develop our new parks, we strive to limit our impact on the existing environment and , focus on adaptive recreational uses that conform to and complement the existing natural resources.  

What trends have you noticed in visitor demand for recreational experiences?

Since COVID, we’ve seen a strong revival in golf. When people wanted to keep a six-foot distance, golf offered a way to be active and social outdoors while keeping that space. Many rediscovered the game, and some tried it for the first time, leading to a rebirth in popularity. Now, golf rounds are consistently up, and we’re even seeing new courses being built, which hasn’t happened in years. Different styles of golf experiences are emerging as well, appealing to a broad range of generations – from baby boomers to Gen Z. 

Beyond golf, outdoor activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, and paddleboarding have surged. Camping occupancy in our parks is up 10% from pre-COVID levels, with strong demand continuing. We’re seeing lasting interest in these activities — it’s not just a fad. Glamping, or upscale camping, is becoming popular too, and we’re exploring ways to support that interest.

Charleston also draws many visitors interested in history and preservation. People want to see historic sites but also understand their future. Sustainability is becoming a key part of the visitor experience, especially in cities like Charleston, where there’s a balance between historic preservation and maintaining the appeal of natural surroundings, like the beaches and barrier islands.

How are you leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences and improve operations?

Technology is playing a huge role. For instance, with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, South Carolina, which has the second-largest number of Revolutionary War sites, is using an app called “Liberty Trail SC.” It allows visitors to see reenactments of historical events on their devices at the actual site. It’s an engaging way for younger audiences to connect with history.

In golf, there are innovations like courses that reconfigure daily to offer varied play without requiring much space. Topgolf is another example, letting people enjoy golf in a casual, technology-enhanced way.

Within our parks, tech improvements also enhance the visitor experience. At Charles Towne Landing, kids can now engage with interactive displays, recreating life as it was in the 1670s. AI even allows visitors to plan personalized trips to Charleston by simply asking their phone.

Operationally, technology has streamlined our park management. Our rangers now use iPads, allowing campers to check in directly at their campsites, which is more convenient. Campers can even pre-order firewood for delivery to their site. These advancements help us do more with fewer resources, improving efficiency and enhancing visitor convenience.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for expanding South Carolina’s tourism sector in the next few years?

Our biggest growth opportunity lies beyond the coast, which already attracts two-thirds of our tourism. Between the coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a lot to explore. Cities like Aiken and Camden have a rich equestrian heritage, and our lakes, rivers, and streams offer outdoor activities like fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking that appeal to visitors seeking outdoor recreation across the state.

South Carolina also has many historic sites, especially from the Revolutionary War. With the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up, we expect increased interest in these areas, which will help boost visitation to inland destinations of all sizes, from larger metro areas like Columbia and Greenville to more rural destinations like Ninety-Six and Gaffney.

To further spread the benefits of tourism statewide, we launched “Undiscovered South Carolina,” promoting rural attractions like state parks, outdoor activities, and BBQ spots off the beaten path. Our BBQ trail, with about 220 restaurants mostly in rural areas, has become a major draw. As the popularity of outdoor recreation continues to grow, it’s helping to drive tourism to these smaller, often overlooked parts of the state.