How T2H Advertising Works in South Carolina

What T2H Advertising Is

T2H Advertising stands for "Tried and True Hospitality Advertising," a program run by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism that helps small lodging businesses—hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, and similar properties—reach visitors planning trips to the state. Rather than each property managing its own marketing budget separately, T2H pools resources and coordinates advertising across multiple channels so that a visitor searching for where to stay sees South Carolina lodging options promoted together.

The program is designed for properties that meet certain size and quality standards. Participation means your property gets included in state-level marketing campaigns, tourism guides, and digital platforms that attract out-of-state visitors. The goal is straightforward: more visibility for your business, more bookings, and a stronger tourism economy across South Carolina.

Key Takeaways

• T2H Advertising is a state program that promotes South Carolina lodging businesses through coordinated marketing rather than individual property campaigns.
• Participating properties must meet specific size, quality, and operational standards set by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
• The program covers advertising across digital platforms, print guides, travel websites, and tourism events where potential visitors research South Carolina trips.
• Properties pay a participation fee, which varies based on the size and type of lodging, in exchange for inclusion in state marketing efforts.
• Membership is voluntary, and properties can withdraw at any time, though some contracts may have minimum commitment periods.

Who Can Join T2H Advertising

Your property must be a licensed lodging business operating in South Carolina—that means hotels, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rental properties, and similar accommodations. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism reviews applications to ensure properties meet health and safety codes, maintain current business licenses, and operate year-round or on a published seasonal schedule.

Properties must also meet minimum quality standards. This typically includes having a certain number of rooms, maintaining professional online presence and booking systems, and being in good standing with the state tourism board. If your property has outstanding code violations, unpaid taxes, or licensing issues, you will not be accepted into the program until those are resolved.

The program does not discriminate based on size—a small bed-and-breakfast with five rooms and a larger hotel with 100 rooms can both participate, though their participation fees and marketing tier may differ.

How Advertising Placement Works

Once accepted, your property is included in multiple marketing channels managed by the state. This includes the official South Carolina tourism website, printed travel guides distributed at welcome centers and tourism events, digital advertising campaigns targeting people searching for South Carolina vacations, and listings on major travel booking platforms that the state partners with.

The state does not advertise individual properties in isolation. Instead, your business appears alongside other South Carolina lodging options, grouped by region or type of accommodation. A visitor searching "hotels in Charleston" or "bed-and-breakfasts in the Lowcountry" will see T2H member properties in those results, along with basic information like room count, amenities, and a link to your booking system.

Placement and visibility can vary depending on your membership tier and the season. Peak travel seasons (summer, holidays, spring break) typically see heavier promotion, while off-season marketing may be lighter. The state adjusts campaigns based on visitor demand patterns and tourism trends.

Costs and Payment Structure

Participation requires an annual or multi-year membership fee. The exact amount depends on your property type and size—a small vacation rental pays less than a 50-room hotel. Fees typically range across a spectrum, but you should contact the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism directly for current pricing specific to your property category.

Some properties also pay a percentage of bookings made through state-promoted channels, though this varies by program tier and contract terms. Read your membership agreement carefully to understand whether you pay a flat fee, a per-booking fee, or a combination of both.

Payment is usually made annually, though some properties may have the option to pay quarterly or semi-annually. If your property is not generating enough bookings to justify the cost, you can withdraw from the program, though you may be required to honor a minimum commitment period depending on your contract.

How to Inquire About Membership

Contact the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism directly. You can reach them through their main office in Columbia or through regional tourism offices. Have your business license, property details (number of rooms, amenities, location), and current marketing materials ready when you reach out.

The department will send you an application packet that asks for information about your property, your current booking volume, your target market, and your marketing goals. They will also explain the current membership tiers, fees, and what each tier includes in terms of advertising placement and support.

The application review process typically takes several weeks. Once approved, you will receive login credentials to update your property information on state platforms, and your business will begin appearing in T2H marketing campaigns within the next marketing cycle.

What Happens After You Join

Your property information—name, location, room count, amenities, contact details, and booking link—will be added to the state tourism database. You will have access to a portal where you can update descriptions, add photos, change seasonal availability, and monitor how often your listing appears in search results.

You will also receive reports showing how many clicks and inquiries your property generated through state-promoted channels. This helps you understand whether the membership is delivering bookings and whether your marketing tier is right for your business.

The state may also invite you to participate in tourism events, trade shows, or promotional campaigns where T2H members are featured. Participation in these events is usually optional but can increase visibility, especially for properties trying to build their brand in new markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use T2H Advertising if I already have my own marketing?

No. T2H is voluntary, and many properties use it alongside their own direct marketing, social media, and booking platforms. Some properties find that state-level promotion brings visitors they would not reach on their own, while others prefer to manage their own marketing entirely. You decide whether the membership fee is worth the exposure for your business.

Will T2H Advertising may provide more bookings?

No program can may provide bookings. T2H increases visibility and gets your property in front of visitors researching South Carolina trips, but whether those visitors book depends on your pricing, availability, reviews, and how your property compares to others. The program opens the door; your property's quality and reputation close the sale.

Can I withdraw from T2H if I am not satisfied?

Yes, but check your contract first. Most memberships allow withdrawal, though some require a minimum commitment period (often one year). If you withdraw mid-contract, you may forfeit remaining fees or owe an early termination penalty. Review your agreement before signing to understand the exit terms.

How often is my property information updated on state platforms?

You control updates through your membership portal. You can change your description, photos, amenities, and availability whenever you need to. The state typically refreshes its main tourism website and guides seasonally, so updates you make may not appear everywhere immediately, but your information in the booking system updates in real time.

Does T2H Advertising work for vacation rentals, or just hotels?

T2H includes vacation rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and other lodging types alongside traditional hotels. Vacation rentals must meet the same licensing and quality standards as other properties, and they pay membership fees based on their size and type, but they are absolutely part of the program.