Why the Midlands Region of South Carolina Needs PR Help

Get out of that box, Midlands.

Columbia, South Carolina and the surrounding Midlands areas are embarking on a quest to become a tourist magnet, according to an article last week by The State newspaper.

Tourism Development International, an Irish consulting firm, has finished conducting a 15-month study on behalf of the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to figure out just what kind of dynamic lure will bring in the big fish... ie., tourists, to South Carolina. Peter MacNulty with TDI says that to gain popularity and grow as a tourist destination, the Midlands area of South Carolina needs a "wow" factor.

Capitalizing on Columbia's capital city status as well as the opportunities for outdoor activities and the rivers and lakes in the region are key, as the article notes. Also key will be how the group behind this campaign markets the wow factor through paid ads, but also in the media and by word of mouth...free publicity and public relations.

So what were some of TDI's recommendations and ideas to bring publicity and tourists to the state? Read the article to find out.

Brett Banter