COLUMBIA, SC – The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 22, at the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center. The meeting celebrated the achievements of the 2023-24 year and looked ahead to the exciting plans for 2024-25.
2023-24 Year-In-Review:
Big Fishing, Big Economic Impact:
- Bassmaster Elite Series: Hosted at Dreher Island State Park, the event drew 958,000 viewers on Fox Sports, generated over 3,800 room nights, $298,000 in food and beverage spending, and over $1 million in direct economic impact.
- Fishing University: Filmed a nationally televised show on Lake Murray, featuring BASS pro-Bryan New and included the region’s national tourism ad.
- Fishing Tournaments: Various tournaments brought over 2,600 anglers to Lake Murray, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Southeastern BBQ Showdown:
- The first-ever Southeastern BBQ Showdown was a major success, attracting teams from across the U.S. and Japan. The event will be featured on Bally Sports TV in September and may become a bi-annual event.
Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast:
- Hosted by Kelly Hughes, the podcast achieved impressive success, ranking #2 on Apple Podcasts for “Travel South Carolina.”
Looking Ahead to 2024-25:
Exciting Upcoming Events:
- June 2025: The Great Race, a national classic car rally, will have its finish line in Irmo, adding to the area’s tourism appeal.
- 2024-2025 Events Calendar: Includes various fishing tournaments, the World Food Championships, and the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray.
Announcements & Awards:
- Partner of the Year: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Tommy Stringfellow.
- Volunteer of the Year: George Mathias.
- New Visitor’s Guide: Available now at the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center.
- Board of Directors Updates: Jimmy Chao joins the board, and several new Ex-Officio members were appointed.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is dedicated to promoting the Lake Murray Country region as a top southern destination, enhancing tourism, and driving economic growth. For more information, visit Lake Murray Country or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel.
#LakeMurrayCountry #TopSouthernDestination
