COLUMBIA, S.C. - Tourism in South Carolina is holding its own, but other states are increasing their efforts, the head of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department says.

Chad Prosser told the House Tourism Caucus on Wednesday the latest figures show statewide admissions taxes are up 4.2 percent through March, compared with the first three months of last year.

Room taxes are up 6.4 percent through February, compared with the same period a year ago.

"I think the industry is holding its own," even though the figures are "not outstanding in terms of growth," he said.

Prosser said South Carolina lags in promoting its top industry.

The Senate on Tuesday cut $2 million the House designated for tourism promotion. Prosser hopes the House will insist the money be put back when a conference committee considers a compromise version of the $5 billion state budget.

Florida recently passed a $40 million economic recovery measure that allots $20 million for tourism promotion. Much of that is aimed at the drive-to market on which South Carolina relies, Prosser said.

Georgia and Alabama are also increasing their tourism promotion, he said.

South Carolina ranks about No. 30 among states in terms of tourism promotion, Prosser said. The state used to rank in the top 10, he said.

Tom Sponseller, president of the South Carolina Hospitality Association, told the group that each dollar spent on promotion returns $23, with $7 going to taxes.

Sponseller said the new room-tax figures would have been higher except for some bad weather in recent months that dampened travel, especially at golf courses.

Prosser said his agency is doing everything it can to cut costs and redirect money to promotion.

The agency has cut 34 permanent positions and more than 100 part-time and temporary employees and eliminated a level of management, he said.

State parks will be promoted more, which should help bring in more tourism revenue as well as more money to operate and improve the parks, Prosser said.

The agency has spent about 19 percent of its budget in recent years on promotion. Prosser hopes to increase that to 25 percent.

Information from: The Sun News