Supporting tourism

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An anonymous University of South Carolina alumnus has given $2 million to establish a tourism technology program. Beyond its obvious benefit, it serves as a reminder that this state's largest industry remains tourism.

Gov. Mark Sanford and Secretary of Commerce Bob Faith are both strong proponents of industry clustering, an economic model that capitalizes on areas of strength by creating pockets of research and expertise. It lends support to existing businesses and is a good asset to attract other companies. The International Center for Automotive Research is the earliest and best example of clustering for the state's growing automotive industry.

But the same principle must apply to tourism, too. On its face, tourism doesn't seem to lend itself to research and technology. But technology is driving the tourism business, as travelers depend on high-tech gadgets and computers to book accommodations, learn about destination points and amenities, and do business from remote locations. Security, with the omnipresent threat of terrorism, is increasingly dependent upon technology.

This gift helps an industry that annually creates billions of dollars in revenue in South Carolina — an industry that shouldn't be taken for granted.