WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | South Carolina to close welcome centers

South Carolina to close welcome centers

By Jaime Dailey - bio | email

HARDEEVILLE, SC (WTOC) - State budget cuts will be impacting visitors traveling through South Carolina. Soon, welcome centers throughout the Palmetto State will be closing their doors two days a week.

The welcome center in Hardeeville is often times the first stop travelers make in South Carolina as they travel north on Interstate 95.

"A lot of people are constantly traveling especially going up north and you know I'm always looking for the welcome centers," said Judy Schieber, who was traveling through South Carolina from Marietta, Georgia.

While many stop to take a break and enjoy the fresh air, others like Schieber depend on the service they receive inside the welcome center where visitors can get free help setting up reservations along with access to dozens of brochures, maps and coupons.

"I like to see what's available," said Schieber. "I like getting the brochures and things. It give you a lot of ideas and information and it gives you everything you need, the maps and everything."

While tourism is key to the state's economy, starting next week, welcome centers on interstate highways throughout the state will be shutting down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, typically the two quietest days of the week.

The restrooms, vending machines and picnic areas will be open, but visitors won't be able to get brochures, maps and travel advise on those days. News many travelers say will be an inconvenience.

"We usually travel during the middle of the week so Tuesday and Wednesday is kind of bad," said Nicholas Masucci from Ohio.

"Especially if you're as poor of planners as we are and need information in a hurry," said Chris Gassler from Virginia.

While this measure may be saving the state money, some visitors say by not being able to put their hands on the discount guides, it could cost them more money.

"It could mean a difference between $20 to $25 a night stay in a hotel," said Masucci. "They're nice to have because they have coupons that let you get a discount on the room."

A spokesman with the State Parks Recreation and Tourism Department tells us they let 40 temporary workers go because of state budget cuts, which made it difficult to staff the welcome centers on a daily basis.