How Charleston got her groove back: A Convention and Visitors Bureau’s response to 9/11

Abstract

The events of 11th September, 2001 had immediate impact on the tourism industry of the world. For domestic US tourism, overall demand fell by 15 per cent overnight, with hotel rates simultaneously softening by 10 per cent. The industry faced an uncertain future. This paper looks at post-9/11 tourism in Charleston, SC. The city, which suffered an immediate decline following 9/11 steeper than the national average, has since enjoyed a remarkably robust recovery. In reviewing this recovery, the crisis management actions of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau are discussed and analysed.

Keywords

crisis management 9/11 destination marketing geographic market segmentation

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