Credit: historiccharleston.org
Historic Charleston Foundation will be hosting “The Future of Responsible Tourism” advocacy forum on May 20th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Arthur Wilcox Auditorium at The Charleston Museum. The forum will mark the beginning of the Future of Livability and Responsible Tourism project, a City of Charleston partnership with Bloomberg Associates, Historic Charleston Foundation, and Explore Charleston.
“The Bloomberg team will help clarify a long-term vision and strategies for responsible tourism that focus on residents, the local economy, and the tourism industry — embodying respect for the unique culture and historic fabric of our city,” says Winslow Hastie, Historic Charleston Foundation President and CEO.
Founded in 2014, Bloomberg Associates, the philanthropic consulting arm of Bloomberg Philanthropies, works at no cost with city leaders around the world to help solve complex urban challenges. George Fertitta, the CEO of Bloomberg Associates, along with his colleague Gordon Innes, will lead this tourism initiative in Charleston.
“Charleston was the first city in the nation to adopt a tourism management plan back in 1978, and we remain committed to leading the way,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “Partnering with Bloomberg Associates is an extraordinary opportunity to shape a tourism strategy that not only supports our economy, but also reflects the values of our residents and protects the character of our historic city.”
While in town for the forum, representatives from Bloomberg Associates will be gathering data and feedback. Bloomberg will release draft findings to the community in the Fall of 2025 with the goal of folding their recommendations into a new city-led tourism management strategy.
To register for Historic Charleston Foundation’s forum and to learn more, visit here.