≡-Summerville’s Tourism Soars with $1.2 Million in A-Tax Funding: Major Boost for Festivals, Culture, and Local Economy! – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Summerville’s Tourism Soars with $1.2 Million in A-Tax Funding: Major Boost for Festivals, Culture, and Local Economy! Tuesday, July 22, 2025Summerville, a charming town known for its rich culture and community-driven events, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism-related funding, thanks to a record-breaking $1.2 million in state accommodations tax (A-Tax) revenue. This figure represents more than five times the amount awarded just a few years ago, marking a transformative moment for the town’s tourism programs, festivals, and community investments.State accommodations tax funds, collected from overnight stays at hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments, are specifically allocated to tourism-related expenditures. These funds can be used to support a variety of activities, including marketing, public facilities, cultural events, and visitor services. The increase in A-Tax revenue will be pivotal in further elevating Summerville’s standing as a top-tier destination for visitors and in bolstering its local economy.The Power of the A-Tax Program: Strengthening Local EconomiesMayor Russ Touchberry expressed strong support for the increased allocation of A-Tax funds, highlighting how such investments will directly benefit the local community. According to Touchberry, the funds are specifically designed to attract outside investments, encourage tourism, and promote economic growth. The injection of this substantial revenue will circulate within the community, bringing additional investments and opportunities that will help lift up Summerville’s local economy. By fostering tourism and attracting visitors, these funds will create a lasting positive impact on the town’s cultural and economic landscape.Applications and Approvals: The A-Tax Advisory Committee’s RoleThe allocation process for A-Tax funding is rigorous and thorough. All applications for funding are reviewed by the State Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, which works in conjunction with the Summerville Town Council to approve grants. Additionally, expenditures are examined by the state’s Tourism Expenditure Review Committee, which evaluates how the proposed activities will attract non-residents and contribute to tourism in the area.The 2025 funding cycle included more than 30 approved grants, with a total of over $1 million in funding allocated to support local tourism initiatives. This is a significant increase from the $200,000 granted shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the town’s recovery and growing tourism appeal. These grants include a wide range of cultural and tourism-related projects, from local festivals to public works and community-driven events.Major Grants and Their Impact on Summerville’s Tourism LandscapeAmong the most significant grants this year, the Flowertown Festival received $200,738, an amount that is expected to generate an estimated $400,000 in direct benefits for the town. The Flowertown Festival, one of Summerville’s most beloved events, has a long history of attracting visitors from across the state and beyond, and this funding will ensure its continued success.The Summerville Orchestra, another local cultural gem, received $90,110 for marketing purposes. This grant will help raise awareness of the orchestra’s performances and contribute to its efforts to engage a broader audience. Likewise, the Public Works Art Center, which attracts over 30,000 visitors annually, received more than $100,000 for three projects, including a free block party, a promotional campaign, and free admission efforts. Public Works Art Center’s Executive Director, Jana Riley, stressed that the funding is crucial to maintaining its operations, helping to bring tourists into Summerville and supporting the local economy. The center’s visitors frequently patronize local restaurants, shops, and lodging, directly benefiting Summerville’s businesses.Supporting Cultural and Community-Based ProjectsThe advisory committee’s emphasis on funding cultural institutions, events, and local projects that generate visitor interest is evident in this year’s grant awards. Projects such as the Southern Songwriter Festival, the Edisto Blackwater Boogie, and the Juneteenth Freedom Tours all received support to help promote Summerville as a hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. By funding these initiatives, Summerville is investing not only in its own community but also in its broader cultural identity, which will continue to attract visitors and strengthen its tourism sector.Hunter Jackson, a member of the A-Tax Committee, emphasized that the state’s guidelines for allocating the funds are strict but clear. Cultural centers like the Public Works Art Center, local museums, and events that draw out-of-town visitors are all eligible for funding, as long as they adhere to the tourism-focused mission of the A-Tax program. Jackson pointed out that projects with strong marketing strategies, clear partnerships, measurable tourist engagement, and demonstrable returns—such as hotel occupancy rates, event attendance, and increased tax revenue—are prioritized.Tourism Growth and Projected Future Increases in A-Tax FundsThe record-breaking $1.2 million in A-Tax revenue this year signals a positive trend for Summerville’s tourism sector. As tourism continues to grow and Summerville becomes an even more desirable destination, the A-Tax revenue is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. This growth will allow for even more ambitious projects and investments that will further enhance the town’s tourism infrastructure and cultural offerings.Steve Doniger, Executive Director of Summerville DREAM, praised the collaboration between organizations seeking funds, noting that the community has been able to effectively come together to support and develop the types of amenities that make Summerville such a special place. The sense of unity among these organizations has led to a streamlined process that benefits everyone and ensures that the funds are being used to their fullest potential.The Role of Volunteers in Strengthening the A-Tax ProgramMayor Touchberry expressed his gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the A-Tax Committee, which is made up of volunteer citizens. These individuals have worked tirelessly to improve the process for allocating funds and ensuring that the community is well-served by the program. The committee’s ongoing efforts to refine the funding process have contributed to Summerville’s continued success in attracting tourism dollars and investing in initiatives that directly benefit residents and visitors alike.Summerville’s Diverse Grant Allocations: A Snapshot of Approved FundingIn addition to the major grants mentioned above, the town has allocated funds to a wide range of smaller but impactful initiatives. Some of the notable funding allocations for 2025 include:$20,000 for the Public Works Art Center’s Block Party$69,700 for Public Works Art Center’s free admission program$10,000 for the Summerville Orchestra Season Marketing$10,000 for the Rotary Club Shag Fest$23,700 for Timrod Library Roof Replacement$220,000 for the DREAM/Town of Summerville: Short Central Renovations (Historic Resiliency)$8,000 for the Sweet Tea Half MarathonThese grants are just a small portion of the broader effort to promote Summerville as a premier tourist destination while simultaneously improving the town’s infrastructure and cultural offerings.Applications Not Recommended for FundingWhile many initiatives received funding, some requests were not approved. For example, the YMCA’s proposal for ADA Accessible Doors and Parks Field Renovations did not receive funding this cycle. However, the overall amount granted—$1,048,138.81—reflects the strong demand for support within Summerville’s tourism sector.Looking Ahead: The Continuing Growth of Summerville’s Tourism SectorAs Summerville continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that its tourism sector will play a central role in the town’s future. The A-Tax funds are helping to create a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community that will attract visitors from all over the world. With continued investment in tourism-related programs, festivals, and public works, Summerville’s economy will continue to flourish, benefiting both residents and visitors for years to come.A Bright Future for Summerville’s Tourism IndustryThe remarkable growth of Summerville’s A-Tax revenue demonstrates the town’s strong commitment to fostering a thriving tourism industry. With increased funding, Summerville will continue to enhance its cultural offerings, support local events, and create new opportunities for visitors to experience all that the town has to offer. As tourism continues to expand, so too will the investments in public infrastructure, arts, culture, and local business, ensuring that Summerville remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for travelers from near and far.Tags: A-Tax revenue, Arts Funding, community investment, cultural events, Flowertown Festival, Local Business Support, local festivals, Public Infrastructure, Public Works Art Center, south carolina tourism, state accommodations tax, Summerville, Summerville DREAM, Summerville economy, Summerville grants, tourism development, tourism funding, tourism growth, Tourism marketing

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