Balancing Tourism and Community Needs in Charleston: A Call for Responsible and Inclusive Tourism

Charleston, South Carolina is a city with a rich and complex history, drawing countless tourists each year. However, like many popular destinations, Charleston's tourism industry has a hidden side that locals experience, but tourists, by the very nature of what defines a tourist (i.e. you get to go home), never see. As we look to the future, particularly in light of the pandemic and ongoing social inequities, it is crucial to adopt a more balanced and inclusive approach to tourism that considers the well-being of both visitors and residents.

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"Charleston has packaged and sold a very specific brand of Southern experience." – Tamika Gadsden

While tourists flock to Charleston for its charming streets and historical landmarks, there is a side of the city that remains hidden to most tourists. This includes its dark history of slavery and segregation. Rather than repackaging this history into Antebellum fairytales, those in tourism should embrace this complexity, telling an honest and diverse story and allowing visitors to gain a comprehensive view of the city’s past, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for its heritage.

"The whole idea is to make sure that your eyes are looking inside…so that you're not looking outside at the reality of the people who live there." – Dr. Katie Dudley

This is especially important considering business interests often shape tourism policies and decisions, sometimes at the expense of local communities. To support the local economy sustainably, tourists are encouraged to frequent a diverse range of local businesses. This not only enriches their experience but also ensures that tourism benefits are more evenly distributed throughout the community. There is a need for a more inclusive approach, ensuring that tourism benefits a wider range of businesses and experiences rather than focusing solely on a few popular attractions. This includes managing the impact of short-term rentals on local housing and ensuring that tourism development does not displace or disadvantage residents. This approach can promote economic diversity and resilience.

"Try to resist that forced perspective that you're being sold…try to see what they're not pushing you to see and arrive at your own conclusions for sure." – Tamika Gadsden

Visitors should approach their trips with an open mind, engaging with local culture and communities. Responsible tourism involves going beyond typical tourist areas to explore different parts of a destination; tourists should be mindful, however of the ethical implications of their actions, including the impact of short-term rentals on local housing and communities.

Tips for Being a Better Tourist in Charleston

"Visit like a cousin or, you know, I had an unexpected layover in this town and I just want to go out and hang with the locals. Visit like that. Let it happen naturally." – Tamika Gadsden

• Engage with Local Communities: Seek out authentic experiences by interacting with residents and participating in local culture.
  
• Support Local Businesses: Choose to eat, shop, and stay at locally-owned establishments.
  
• Be Mindful of Your Impact: Tourists should consider the ethical implications of their activities and be aware of how their presence affects local communities. This mindfulness can lead to more respectful and meaningful interactions.
  
• Learn the Full History: Educate yourself on Charleston’s history, including its more challenging aspects, to gain a deeper appreciation of the city.
  
• Be Conscious of Short-Term Rentals: Consider the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and community dynamics, and choose accommodations that benefit the local community.

Final Thoughts

Like many destinations, Charleston's tourism industry stands at a crossroads, with an opportunity to embrace a more responsible and inclusive approach. By acknowledging its complex history, balancing the needs of residents and tourists, and promoting diverse experiences, Charleston can create a sustainable tourism model that benefits everyone. Visitors have a role to play in this transformation by engaging with the local culture, supporting diverse businesses, and being mindful of their impact. Together, we can ensure that Charleston remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.
 
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences about responsible tourism in Charleston!

Sound Bites

For a deep dive into tourism in Charleston, check this episode of You're a Tourist, where I sit down with Tamika Gadsden, a community organizer, media entrepreneur and special advisor to the Mayor, to discuss where we're at and out hope for the future. 

Author

Dr. Katie Dudley is an award-winning tourism researcher, professor and speaker with more than 20 years of experience working in, teaching and researching tourism. She is the host of the You're a Tourist podcast wherein each episode she brings on a new guest to help uncover an array of unspoken impacts of tourism and ways listeners can become more responsible tourists.