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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • SmartState graphic showing the state of South Carolina portioned into the regions foothills, piedmont, midlands, and lowcountry with different colors. The graphic says: SmartState Tourism and Economic Development

Richardson Family SmartState Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development

The Richardson Family SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development (SmartState Tourism) is dedicated to generating data-driven insights that inform and support the growth of tourism economies. SmartState Tourism works with industry professionals, scholars, organizations and stakeholders across three primary areas of focus.

Research

SmartState Tourism is leading innovative, relevant, and interdisciplinary research to respond to industry needs.

Read About Our Initiatives

Laboratories within SmartState Tourism

  1. TOURWISE Global
  2. TRANSFORM
  3. Center for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems
  4. Tourism Crisis Management Initiative (TCMI)

Consulting

We collaborate with consulting firms to address real-world issues for destinations across the globe.

Training

We provide critical knowledge and skills through dynamic workshops, certificates and courses.

Graduate Students, Internships and Visiting Scholars

If you are interested in working with us as a graduate student, intern or visiting scholar please fill out our form using the button below.

Get Involved


For More Information

Lori Pennington-Gray headshot

Lori Pennington-Gray, Ph.D.

Director and Endowed Chair
SmartState Tourism Center
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
University of South Carolina

penninl@mailbox.sc.edu
803-576-7386

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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