Tourists visiting South Carolina can customize and navigate their trip to the southeastern state, following the municipality's recent $500,000 tourism site upgrade.
The state's department of tourism's revised project, part of the governing body's $12 million advertising budget, helps plan trips for vacationers, according to the Associated Press. The digital media also selects possible activities guests can take part in based on input they enter on the site about their likings.
In addition, the advanced site adjusts its content based on the mobile device a consumer is using. Drop-down menus with lists of attractions provide guests options for lodging, and restaurants. The site's link to social media platform Facebook also enable consumers to post details about their experiences while journeying through the coastal state.
The site's international translator caters to travelers who speak French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German. This is possible through a Google Translate capability, which deciphers words into 80 languages.
Officials have also incorporated classic documents from the original site to the revamped one. These include current vacation guides, South Carolina's state festival calendar and BBQ Trail Map.
"The website is our primary means of engaging with the consumer," explained Duane Parrish, department director "Their expectations for quicker searchers and more relevant information have grown exponentially."
"Traditionally the individual had to work their way through the pages and try to figure out exactly what they wanted," added Marion Edwards, a department spokesman. "People will notice they are getting quicker searches and more relevant information. The site is going to be listening and responding to what it sees you request."
The Palmetto state's department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism also uses the month-old site to attract people to South Carolina's $18 billion annual industry.
The investment appears to be working, as 1.8 million people browsed the department's current site from January to June, according to The Island Packet. This is a 20 percent increase compared to the first six months of 2013.
Click here to view the site.
