South Carolina Department of State has recently announced the launch of the South Carolina Passport program, a new initiative aimed at promoting travel and tourism in the state. The program, which is set to officially begin in January 2022, will offer South Carolina residents the opportunity to apply for a special South Carolina Passport that will grant them access to exclusive deals, discounts, and offers at various local attractions and businesses.
The South Carolina Passport program is part of a larger effort by the state government to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Governor Henry McMaster, the program is designed to encourage South Carolina residents to explore their own state and support local businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
“We know that many South Carolinians have been hesitant to travel outside of the state due to concerns about the pandemic,” Governor McMaster said in a statement. “With the South Carolina Passport program, we hope to provide residents with an incentive to stay local and discover all that our beautiful state has to offer.”
The South Carolina Passport will be available to all South Carolina residents over the age of 18, free of charge. Residents can apply for the passport online through the South Carolina Department of State’s website, where they will be required to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Once approved, residents will receive their South Carolina Passport in the mail, along with a list of participating businesses and attractions where they can use their passport to receive exclusive discounts and offers. Some of the businesses participating in the program include restaurants, hotels, shops, museums, and outdoor adventure companies.
“We are thrilled to be part of the South Carolina Passport program and excited to welcome local residents to our establishment,” said Sarah Davis, owner of a popular restaurant in Greenville. “We believe that this program will not only help us attract more customers but also promote pride in our state and encourage residents to support local businesses.”
In addition to offering discounts and deals, the South Carolina Passport program will also feature a rewards system that allows residents to earn points for visiting participating businesses and attractions. These points can be redeemed for prizes, such as free meals, hotel stays, or tickets to local events.
“We want the South Carolina Passport program to be more than just a discount card,” said Thomas Jones, Director of the South Carolina Department of State. “We want it to be a way for residents to connect with their communities, discover new places, and support the local economy.”
The South Carolina Passport program is set to launch on January 1, 2022, and will run until December 31, 2022. Residents who apply for the passport in the first month of the program will receive a special bonus offer, such as a free gift or additional discounts.
“We are confident that the South Carolina Passport program will be a huge success and will help boost tourism and economic growth in our state,” Governor McMaster said. “We encourage all South Carolina residents to apply for their passport and start exploring all that our beautiful state has to offer.”