Tourism, Recreation Economy Booming in Anderson County

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Each year, thousands of people from around the world are looking for more information about working, living or vacationing in Anderson County. 

And for many, their first information comes from Visit Anderson, the convention and visitors bureau for the county. 

Led by Executive Director Neil Paul in conjunction with Anderson County Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Glenn Brill, Visit Anderson has played a major role in the ascension of Green Pond Landing and Event Center. Green Pond is a substantial reason Hartwell Lake attracts more than 10 million visitors every years, as well as the site becoming one of the most active professional fishing tournament destinations in the world.

Visit Anderson also has made Anderson a sports tourism destination, with statewide tournaments in a number of sports, bringing millions into the county coffers every year.  The only limits to expansion is lack of sports fields.

Recently, the organization debuted a new logo and slogan, which Paul hopes will better define the future.

“Visit Anderson, the Center of It All,” is a solid description of Anderson County, said Paul, because of the county’s resources and location.

Paul talked about the changes and the events in the year ahead in this interview with the Anderson Observer.