THINK: Transparency in Tourism Marketing

Millions of people think we're a pretty special place, and we do, too. We believe that balance is critical to our way of life and vital to keeping our tourism-based economy healthy. That's why we're committed to transparency as we share the lifestyle of the Lowcountry with the world.

We are the Designated Marketing Organization (DMO) for the Town of Hilton Head Island, the Town of Bluffton, and Southern Beaufort County. Destination marketing is funded through South Carolina’s accommodations tax (ATAX), which is paid by visitors—not residents—and governed by strict state and local regulations. No property taxes or resident-paid taxes are used for tourism marketing.

The Chamber serves as a contracted marketing vendor to local governments, responsible for delivering defined marketing services within an approved budget. Each year, we outline how ATAX funds will be invested in our annual marketing plan, which is developed with local tourism leaders and reviewed by the accommodations tax committee, town council, and the South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee.

Our commitment to transparency goes beyond required reporting. This page includes publicly accessible links to our economic impact reports, visitor profile studies, annual marketing plans, marketing metrics books, and independent third-party audits, allowing anyone to see how tourism funds are invested and the results they deliver for our community.