Lori Pennington-Gray, Ph.D.
Director and Endowed Chair
SmartState Tourism Center
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
University of South Carolina
The Richardson Family SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development (SmartState Tourism) is dedicated to generating data-driven insights that inform and support the growth of tourism economies. SmartState Tourism works with industry professionals, scholars, organizations and stakeholders across three primary areas of focus.
Research: leading innovative, relevant, and interdisciplinary research to respond to industry needs.
SmartState Tourism is home to three research laboratories/initiatives:
- The Coastal Tourism Resilience Laboratory (CENTRAL)
- The Tourism Crisis Management Initiative (TCMI)
- and, Tourism and Destination Competitiveness (TDC)
The center’s actionable insights and resources include the Domestic Travel Anxiety Index and Actionable Advocacy Insights.
Consulting: collaborating with consulting firms to address real-world issues for destinations across the globe.
Training: providing critical knowledge and skills through dynamic workshops, certificates and courses.
Graduate Students, Internships and Visiting Scholars
If you are interested in working with us as a graduate student, intern or visiting scholar please fill out our form using the button below.
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