COLUMBIA, S.C. - State budget cuts and a reorganization of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department have cost state Tourism Director Moke McGowan his job.

McGowan told tourism leaders around the state about the change via e-mail Wednesday.

McGowan said he hopes to find a job in the Midlands and isn't upset about the change, saying the decision to cut workers was necessary and responsible.

"Frankly, it's the budget," said McGowan, who had to let go seven employees in the tourism division. "Sustaining these kinds of reductions over a long period of time ... it's a difficult situation."

McGowan will end his six years of service at the agency April 16.

PRT director-designate Chad Prosser plans to continue restructuring.

"We have to be leaner and more efficient as an agency and do more with less," Prosser said. "I feel very good about where we are headed."

Gov. Mark Sanford chose Prosser for the job in January. Sanford has said he wants more of the money the General Assembly gives the agency to be used for marketing.

Since July 1, PRT has cut 123 positions from its 500-member staff, with 34 of those cuts since Prosser took over.

Budget cuts have taken about $3 million from the agency, with an additional 2.9 percent cut planned for the coming fiscal year.

About $34 million of PRT's $56 million budget comes from the General Assembly, with the rest from parks and other fees.

Tourism is the state's No. 1 industry, generating $14.4 billion last year.

"Our business is going to change. It's a real time of reassessment," agency spokesman Marion Edmonds said. "But we are not going to sacrifice our support of the tourism industry. The industry is what is important here, not the makeup of one agency."

McGowan guided the state's tourism industry through the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He's optimistic the industry will weather challenges of war and the economy.

"You have some very good quality leadership," McGowan said.

Information from: The Sun News