Economic Impact

Beaufort and the Sea Islands have long supported a robust tourism economy.

You may not realize the economic impact that this economy has on our community and in supporting the healthy and vibrant lifestyle we enjoy as residents and visitors.

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3rd

Beaufort County's rank out of 46 counties

2,000+ JOBS

Created by tourism in Northern Beaufort County

$1.4 B

The economic impact of the Hospitality/Tourism industry in Beaufort County.

Hospitality And Accommodations Taxes

Access to water, along with history, were considered the main tourist attractions in Beaufort.

Hospitality Tax and Accommodations Tax represent more than 16% of the City of Beaufort's total General Fund revenues, serving as the third largest revenue source for the city.

$18.6M

Combined revenues to the city Hospitality Tax and Accommodations Tax have been generated since 2018.

$736,557

Combined business license tax revenues to the city Hospitality Tax and Accommodations Tax have generated since 2015.

>$21M

Amount tourism supports in payroll in Beaufort, generating more than 1,234 jobs in the city.

A combined revenue of $4,646,288, derived annually from the Hospitality/Tourism Industry, directly supports key city services that include Police Staffing, Public Operations, Waterfront Park, Marina Operations, Parking Improvements, and more. In 2018, Beaufort supported Destination Marketing with $380,000.

$7 to $1 Return on Investment

For every dollar of that support, the city and taxpayers received a return on investment of $7.

The Lodging and Food Service Industries in Beaufort generated an estimated $1,643,862 in overall property tax revenues for the community in FY2017, the bulk of which supports our schools at an estimated $845,931.

72%

Percent of residents who believe tourism has created more cultural opportunities.

76%

Percent of residents who believe tourism has created more cultural opportunities.

79%

Visitors indicate that attractions were important in their decision to visit.