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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Commercial passengers dropped 42 percent at Hilton Head Island Air Service Deficiencies Airport last year Served by one airline
BY ZACH MURDOCK Service to one hub [email protected] Service by turboprop aircraft JANUARY 21, 2016
Major destinations not served The total number of commercial passengers flying in and out of Hilton Head (ranked by size) Island Airport declined more than 42 percent last year, according to new New York metro statistics released this week. Washington / Baltimore Although the airport's passengers have declined steadily since the Chicago economic downturn, the steep slide in 2015 is the biggest single-year drop Boston in more than a decade. Philadelphia The decrease is due to new limits last year on the number of flights available to and from Hilton Head as its sole carrier, U.S. Airways, merged Fare Levels with American Airlines, said airports director Jon Rembold. HHH Average $273 As effects of the merger crept across U.S. Airways' flight schedules last year, CHS Average $230 however, planes were redirected to other routes and Hilton Head Island US Average $228 secured only four or five daily flights throughout the summer, he said.
The 78,486 passengers who flew into and out of Hilton Head last year is Recent Air Service Developments more than 71 percent fewer than a decade ago, statistics show. And that Loss of Delta Air Lines number is a more than 119 percent decrease from the airport's 172,000- (cessation of turboprops) passenger peak in 2007, when Delta Airlines also served the airport. Loss of Reagan National
More than $13.6 million in ongoing and pending airport improvements will (merger of US with AA) increase how many passengers American Airlines can put on each plane and could attract new service to the airport, Rembold said. The projects include Air Service Development Efforts tree trimming, relocating a taxiway along the runway and eventually Runway and Taxiway extensions to extending the runway, with 95 percent of the cost to be paid for with state and federal grants. allow regional jet flights
"It's about the ability to have dependability," Sells said of the Strategic Plan improvements. Commercial traffic "will absolutely grow. I have no doubt. Competitive service We keep active communication will all our contacts in the airline industry and they agree this a resort community they want to have access to." MRG $750,000 Marketing $185,000 Final designs to extend the airport's runway from 4,300 feet to 5,000 feet are expected to be complete in March 2017, Rembold said. Construction of Grant Request the estimated $9.25 million project is expected to take 18 month. DOT funds $750,000 "To me, it's impossible to be anything but hopeful," Rembold said. "We're Local cash $185,000 finally embarking on these improvements that we've been talking about for a decade. I really believe you're going to see passengers increase once we can get these projects complete." Designation of a legal sponsor Hilton Head Island Airport Beaufort County, SC
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Strategic Plan
The airport serving Beaufort County and the Hilton Head Island area is served by one airline – American – and has been served by either American or US Airways for at least the past decade. Hilton Head Island has never enjoyed competitive major carrier airline service or service to more than one hub. The strategic plan calls for the introduction of competitive service to the region and / or the addition of service to a hub other than Charlotte.
With consolidation there are only a few options that make sense for an airport the size of Hilton Head Island. Even though the region contains nearly three-quarters of a million people, the airport and its facilities are not large enough to sustain carriers with narrow body aircraft only or narrow body aircraft airlines that require multiple daily flights to feasibly operate. In addition to incumbent American Airlines, the plan includes the remaining three carriers operating in the region with regional aircraft; Delta, jetBlue and United. Carriers such as Southwest, Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier cannot operate on the runway that exists at Hilton Head Island. Target(s) 1. A northeastern hub / large O&D market a. New York / Newark (JFK or LGA on American -or- EWR on United) b. Philadelphia on American c. Washington (DCA on American -or- IAD on United) d. Boston on American 2. An omni-directional southern hub (ATL on Delta)
Hilton Head Island recently commissioned a True Market Study conducted by Sixel, LLC that showed that major markets unserved by American include Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia and New York.
Primary Target Proposed Year One with American to Philadelphia
Route Dept. Time Arr. Time Days Aircraft Seats
PHL-HHH 1030 1145 1234567 E175 76
HHH-PHL 1245 1300 1234567 E175 76
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Secondary Target Proposed Year One with United to Newark
Route Dept. Time Arr. Time Days Aircraft Seats
EWR-HHH 1000 1130 1234567 E175 76
HHH-EWR 1215 1345 1234567 E175 76
Minimum Revenue Guarantee The Hilton Head Island Airport would like to offer the targeted airlines an MRG sizable enough to entice interest and large enough to sustain the service through its first few months of operation. The MRG would be provided over the course of twenty four months, long enough to ensure that the service has enough time to gain traction. The airport would earmark $750,000 of the $935,000 total program cost to the MRG.
Estimated Year One costs with American at 15.00¢ per seat mile
Route SM Annual Flights Annual Seats Annual Cost BE RT Fare (80% LF)
PHL-HHH 610 730 55,480 $5.08 m $114
Month Cost Load Factor Revenue Funds Remaining
1 $423,035 45% $237,957 $564,922
2 $423,035 50% $264,397 $406,284
3 $423,035 55% $290,837 $274,086
4 $423,035 60% $317,276 $168,327
5 $423,035 65% $343,716 $89,008
6 $423,035 70% $370,156 $36,128
7 $423,035 75% $396,595 $9,689
8 $423,035 80% $423,035 $9,689
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Marketing The remaining project funds - $185,000 - would be used to market the service to inbound passengers through a series of billboards, radio, and TV, email, social media and direct mail ads. The airport and Chamber of Commerce will use existing contacts to make residents aware of the service.
Timing The demand for service is strong throughout the year; however, spring would be the optimal time to begin service. The start of service, however, is up to the discretion of the airlines.
Goals The goal is to bring competitive airline service to the Hilton Head Island region. A region of 150,000+ people served only by one airline. Key Problem 1: service that is only offered by turboprop aircraft. Key Problem 2: service that is priced much higher than airports in the region. In terms of passengers, Hilton Head Island would like to see airport traffic double, from 50,000 to 100,000 passengers. In terms of airfares, Hilton Head Island would like to see average fares fall 15%.
Funding Request / Uses / Local Match • $750,000 SCASD funding requested • $185,000 local cash match • Total Project Costs = $935,000 • Minimum Revenue Guarantee = $750,000 • Marketing = $185,000
Community Partnerships • U.S. Senator – Hon. Lindsey Graham (R) • U.S. Senator – Hon. Tim Scott (R) • U.S. Congressman – Hon. Mark Sanford (R) District 1 • South Carolina Governor - Hon. Henry McMaster • State Representative - Hon. Jeff Bradley • Beaufort County Commissioner – D. Paul Sommerville (Chairman) • Hilton Head Island Mayor – David Bennett • Hilton Head Island Airport - Jon Rembold (Director)
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Local Cash Contributors • Hilton Head Is. / Bluffton Chamber of Commerce - Bill Miles (Pres. & CEO) $25,000 • Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa - $25,000 • LGCOA (Lowcountry Golf Course Owner’s Association) - $10,000 • Omni Hilton Head Resort - $25,000 • Palmetto Dunes - $25,000 • Sea Pines Resort LLC- $25,000 • Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island - $25,000 • Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa - $25,000
Project Differentiation Hilton Head Island has never applied for, nor received, a SCASDP grant.
Legal Sponsor Hilton Head Island Airport via Beaufort County, SC (airport owner) Beaufort County Commissioner – D. Paul Sommerville (Chairman) Jon Rembold, Airport Director 120 Beach City Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 +1 843-255-2950 [email protected]
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The Hilton Head Island Airport Air Service Environment
The Hilton Head Airport Catchment Area consists of three counties (Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton) in the southeastern part of South Carolina. As of 2010 the population of these three counties was 210,700, with 165,000, or 78.2% of the total.
Based on a True Market Study conducted in the summer of 2017 utilizing calendar year 2016 data the Hilton Head Airport generates 94 passengers per day each way, while the Catchment Area in total produces 1,211 passengers per day each way. A full 92.2% of all Catchment Area passengers use other regional airports, primarily at Savannah and Charleston.
The average domestic plus international fare at Hilton Head Island Airport was $558 round trip. This is $40 per passenger more than travelers using Savannah pay and $90 more than those that fly into/out of Charleston.
Hilton Head Island Airport presently has nonstop service to Charlotte provided by American Eagle. As of March of 2018 the airport will average three round trips and 144 seats per day. American Eagle will use DH3 turboprop airplanes.
As of calendar year 2016 a full 92.2% of all passengers traveling to / from the Hilton Head Island Airport catchment area use alternate airports. Over three in five drive to Savannah, while another 12.2% drive to Charleston. The remainder use Charlotte and Atlanta and a few others. It is estimated that Originating Airport for Hilton Head Island Area Passengers over 884,000 True Market w ith LCC Adjustment - TOTAL passengers, or 1,211 per Rank Airport Passengers PDEW Avg Fare Share day each way 1 Hilton Head Airport 68,580 94 $279 7.8% area 2 Savannah / Hilton Head Airport 549,344 753 $259 62.1% generated in 3 Charleston International Airport 107,493 147 $234 12.2% the Hilton 4 Charlotte Douglas International Airport 66,784 91 $252 7.6% Head Airport 5 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport 61,659 84 $229 7.0% 6 Jacksonville International Airport 26,699 37 $250 3.0% catchment 7 Columbia Metropolitan Airport 3,210 4 $275 0.4% area. 8 Augusta Regional Airport 449 1 $271 0.1%
Total Hilton Head Island Area Passengers 884,159 1,211 $255 100.0%
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25 Largest True O&D Passenger Markets to/from the Hilton Head Island Area Calendar Year 2016 Approximates 100% Sample - Directional Journeyed Passengers
Airport / Multiple HHH Leaked True True Avg Rank Airport Metro Area Airport(s) PDEW PDEW PDEW O&D Pax Far e
1 New York / New ark EWR / JFK / LGA / ISP / HPN 6.1 178.5 184.6 134,741 $154 2 Washington / Baltimore DCA / BWI / IA D 4.7 87.8 92.4 67,459 $172 3 Chicago ORD / MDW 6.3 51.0 57.3 41,812 $223 4 Boston BOS 3.0 50.8 53.8 39,292 $186 5 Philadelphia PHL 3.8 29.8 33.6 24,516 $217 6 Los Angeles Basin LA X / BUR / SNA / ONT / LGB 1.9 30.2 32.1 23,462 $311 7 Dallas / Ft. Worth DFW / DA L 1.8 30.2 32.0 23,358 $245 8 South Florida MIA / FLL / PBI 2.0 26.6 28.6 20,868 $215 9 Denver DEN 2.2 24.9 27.1 19,764 $238 10 San Francisco Bay Area SFO / OAK / SJC 1.9 21.2 23.0 16,826 $302 11 Houston IA H / HOU 1.4 21.4 22.8 16,644 $261 12 Detroit DTW 2.6 18.8 21.4 15,646 $217 13 Atlanta ATL 0.4 19.7 20.1 14,661 $215 14 Pittsburgh PIT 5.6 13.6 19.2 14,036 $201 15 Seattle / Tacoma SEA 0.4 18.3 18.7 13,658 $293 16 Minneapolis MSP 1.3 15.8 17.1 12,463 $236 17 Phoenix / Mesa PHX / A Z A 1.8 14.6 16.4 12,000 $278 18 Nashville BNA 2.1 12.7 14.8 10,800 $245 19 Las Vegas LAS 1.0 11.8 12.8 9,343 $285 20 Hartford BDL 1.7 11.0 12.7 9,255 $231 21 Cincinnati CV G 1.2 10.8 12.0 8,776 $171 22 San Diego SAN 0.4 11.6 12.0 8,772 $286 23 St Louis STL 1.9 9.7 11.6 8,434 $249 24 Kansas City MCI 1.2 9.5 10.7 7,803 $255 25 Charlotte CLT 3.1 7.5 10.6 7,766 $180
Total True PDEW / Passengers / Avg Fare 94 1,117 1,211 884,159 $255
The top five O&D markets from Hilton Head Island, based on the True Market Study, are all located north of the community. They include the northeast’s four large metro areas plus Chicago. New York / Newark and Washington / Baltimore, two primary targets of this grant, are one and two, with 185 and 92 passengers per day respectively. Atlanta, the secondary target of this grant, is ranked 13th largest O&D market at 20 passengers per day each way. The Charlotte local O&D is half the Atlanta total, with 11 passengers per day – ranking 25th largest O&D.
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The demand for passengers is most prevalent along the eastern seaboard, from the Washington / Baltimore area north to Boston. Secondarily is demand to the Ohio Valley from western Pennsylvania through Chicago. Hubs in the New York area, Washington, Boston and Philadelphia would serve not only large local demand but the hundreds of connecting markets from those hubs. This would lead to a two carrier solution in 95% of markets, as Charlotte one-stops would be served by these other hubs as well. This would lead to a competitive service arrangement in the vast majority of markets.
The average fare comparison chart below shows the disparity in airfares between Hilton Head Island Airport and Charleston and Savannah. Among the top 25 O&D markets from the area, average fares are higher than Charleston in 92% of the cases – Charlotte and Atlanta being the exceptions. The differential is most prevalent at the top markets, where not only do Charleston and Savannah have non- stop service, but fares are much lower than at Hilton Head Island. For example, at New York average fares at Hilton Head Island are $221 each way versus $156 at Charleston and $149 at Savannah. Washington / Baltimore’s disparity is more glaring; $262 at HHH versus $135 at CHS and $177 at SAV.
Avg Fares by Airport at 25 Largest True O&D Markets to/from the Hilton Head Island Area Calendar Year 2016 Approximates 100% Sample - Directional Journeyed Passengers
Airport / Multiple Hilton Head Island Savannah Charleston Total Rank Airport Metro Area Avg Fare PDEW Avg Fare PDEW Avg Fare PDEW Avg Fare
1 New York / New ark $221 6.1 $149 136.2 $156 18.8 $154 2 Washington / Baltimore $262 4.7 $177 52.6 $135 19.3 $172 3 Chicago $250 6.3 $263 28.3 $198 9.5 $223 4 Boston $233 3.0 $184 37.6 $184 6.0 $186 5 Philadelphia $273 3.8 $211 22.2 $248 3.0 $217 6 Los Angeles Basin $350 1.9 $325 20.0 $283 4.3 $311 7 Dallas / Ft. Worth $280 1.8 $284 18.1 $196 4.7 $245 8 South Florida $269 2.0 $272 11.8 $156 6.2 $215 9 Denver $293 2.2 $239 18.6 $233 2.5 $238 10 San Francisco Bay Area $330 1.9 $304 14.0 $279 3.3 $302 11 Houston $267 1.4 $287 14.2 $218 3.0 $261 12 Detroit $233 2.6 $213 13.5 $232 2.1 $217 13 Atlanta $231 0.4 $222 15.6 $257 1.5 $215 14 Pittsburgh $270 5.6 $157 8.8 $204 1.4 $201 15 Seattle / Tacoma $305 0.4 $304 11.9 $265 3.3 $293 16 Minneapolis $273 1.3 $233 11.5 $229 1.8 $236 17 Phoenix / Mesa $268 1.8 $290 9.6 $269 2.0 $278 18 Nashville $276 2.1 $258 8.7 $161 1.5 $245 19 Las Vegas $319 1.0 $304 7.6 $271 1.6 $285 20 Hartford $267 1.7 $241 6.5 $179 2.0 $231 21 Cincinnati $296 1.2 $122 7.3 $260 0.7 $171 22 San Diego $298 0.4 $294 7.2 $264 1.4 $286 23 St Louis $295 1.9 $252 6.0 $219 1.5 $249 24 Kansas City $288 1.2 $269 6.4 $220 1.4 $255 25 Charlotte $161 3.1 $188 6.0 $229 0.7 $180
Average True Fare / PDEW $279 93.9 $259 752.5 $234 147.3 $255
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Hilton Head Island’s two nearest airports are Charleston and Savannah. Both are classified as non-hub airports. The nearest large hub airport to Hilton Head Island is Charlotte.
Hilton Head Island has non-stop service to Charlotte only. American Eagle operates an average of 3 departures and provides 135 seats per day. Average turboprop aircraft size is 48 seats.
Charleston has non-stop service to 21
domestic and 0 international destinations. Its five carriers operate an average of 64 departures and 6,528 seats per day. Average aircraft size is 102 seats.
Savannah has non-stop service to 20 domestic and 0 international destinations. Its four carriers operate an average of 41 departures and provide 3,960 seats per day. Average aircraft size is 97 seats.
Charlotte has non-stop service to 166 domestic and international destinations. Its 14 carriers operate an average of 689 departures and provide 73,859 seats per day. Average aircraft size is 107 seats.
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As seen on the next page, Newark has non-stop service to 187 domestic and international destinations. Its 42 carriers operate an average of 551 departures and provide 72,158 seats per day. Average aircraft size is 131 seats.
Also on the next page, Atlanta has non-stop service to 233 domestic and international destinations. Its 23 carriers operate and average of 1,133 departures and provide 162,082 seats per day. Average aircraft size is 143 seats.
In terms of competitive service and alleviation of higher than average fares both Newark and Atlanta provide much needed non-stop and one-stop competition. As seen in the following chart, Newark provides non-stop service to 77 of the area’s largest O&D market and amongst the top 100 O&D’s covers 77% of the one-stop routes offered at Charlotte. Atlanta provides non-stop service to all of the area’s 100 largest O&D markets and amongst the top 100 O&D’s covers 100% of the one-stop routes offered at Charlotte. In addition, Newark opens up 63 new one-stop routes and Atlanta opens up 84 new one-stop routes not offered at Charlotte.
Average Departurs per Day - Fourth Quarter 2017 CLT EWR ATL CLT EWR ATL CLT EWR ATL AGS 6.0 - 6.5 GSO 7.8 3.5 7.5 ORD 13.2 14.9 22.7 ALB 2.6 4.7 2.8 GSP 7.3 2.7 10.1 ORF 8.3 4.9 7.7 ATL 17.5 17.0 - HOU 1.0 - 11.5 PBI 4.7 8.9 11.2 AUS 4.1 4.6 10.3 HPN 3.4 - 5.7 PHL 9.4 - 17.9 AVL 7.3 1.3 6.8 HSV 3.6 - 6.7 PHX 8.2 6.7 9.4 BDL 5.5 2.8 6.2 IAD 10.4 5.7 11.7 PIT 8.3 6.6 9.5 BHM 6.4 - 8.7 IAH 11.1 9.9 15.0 PNS 4.2 - 6.5 BNA 8.4 3.8 10.2 ILM 8.6 - 4.6 PVD 4.6 3.7 2.8 BOS 10.0 13.9 19.2 IND 7.3 7.1 11.0 PWM 2.0 5.2 1.6 BTR 2.7 - 7.2 JAN 3.7 - 6.2 RDU 8.3 10.4 13.9 BUF 2.8 5.3 4.4 JAX 7.4 3.6 14.0 RIC 8.6 4.6 10.8 BWI 10.1 3.7 19.3 JFK 10.4 - 7.1 ROA 6.6 - 4.2 CAE 7.0 - 7.1 LAS 4.2 6.0 12.2 ROC 3.2 4.6 2.8 CAK 4.9 1.7 2.9 LAX 5.9 14.0 17.0 RSW 4.8 6.1 10.0 CHA 5.5 1.8 8.7 LEX 4.7 1.0 5.9 SAN 2.5 3.8 6.3 CHO 6.2 - 3.9 LGA 17.3 - 26.1 SAT 3.4 1.0 9.1 CHS 8.5 3.8 9.5 LHR 1.9 8.6 4.4 SAV 8.0 3.1 9.3 CLE 6.3 5.7 9.5 LIT 3.0 - 5.4 SDF 7.1 2.5 7.8 CLT - 12.8 17.5 MCI 3.6 2.8 10.1 SEA 2.5 5.5 8.0 CMH 7.4 6.1 9.9 MCO 9.5 18.7 24.8 SFO 5.3 17.1 8.9 CRW 4.3 - 4.3 MDW 1.9 5.2 12.1 SLC 2.6 1.9 8.1 CUN 2.8 2.8 5.9 MEM 6.5 2.6 9.7 SRQ 2.9 0.7 5.0 CVG 8.5 7.5 7.2 MEX 1.0 2.0 5.1 STL 5.5 6.4 10.9 DAL 1.0 - 9.3 MGM 2.7 - 6.1 SYR 2.8 4.3 2.8 DAY 5.8 1.9 3.7 MIA 7.9 8.2 16.8 TLH 4.0 - 5.6 DCA 9.3 7.1 18.7 MKE 4.6 3.3 8.3 TPA 8.6 7.3 18.6 DEN 7.3 9.0 16.0 MOB 3.7 - 6.2 TRI 4.7 - 5.5 DFW 10.8 9.7 18.4 MSP 7.2 9.8 13.5 TYS 6.6 2.2 8.1 DTW 10.8 12.4 15.1 MSY 6.6 4.3 14.6 VPS 3.2 0.1 5.5 EWR 12.9 - 17.0 MYR 7.9 2.0 3.7 XNA 3.0 0.8 5.1 FAY 5.8 - 4.5 OAJ 4.9 - 3.5 YTZ - 11.5 - FLL 6.7 16.2 19.8 OKC 2.3 0.9 5.2 YUL 1.0 6.2 3.7 GNV 3.9 - 6.2 OMA 2.7 1.8 4.6 YYZ 5.3 10.2 10.0 GRR 2.0 2.6 4.5
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Beaufort County
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 162,233 people, 64,945 households, and 45,322 families residing in Beaufort County. The population density was 281.5 inhabitants per square mile. There were 93,023 housing units at an average density of 161.4 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 71.9% white, 19.3% black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 12.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 15.5% were German, 13.4% were Irish, 13.1% were English, 5.4% were Italian, and 5.0% were American.
Of the 64,945 households, 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.2% were non-families, and 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age was 40.6 years.
The median income for a household in the county was $55,286 and the median income for a family was $65,071. Males had a median income of $41,059 versus $33,959 for females. The per capita income for the county was $32,731. About 7.4% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
Hilton Head Island is part of the Lowcountry region in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It's known for Atlantic Ocean beaches and golf courses. The Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum marks the southwest tip. The Coastal Discovery Museum features heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. Between the island and mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh hosts deer, alligators and birds.
Tourism Industry
HILTON HEAD ISLAND
For over 300 years, people from around the world have been discovering the exceptional qualities of Hilton Head Island. Since development reached maturity, the emphasis has swung to the business of sustaining year-round jobs through the area’s two largest industries – tourism and real estate. Hilton Head Island maintains a stellar reputation as a world-class resort, meetings and vacation destination.
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But it’s also a wonderful place to call home.
With 2.4 million annual visitors, both small and large businesses are positively impacted by the tourism industry, which sustains 24,000 local jobs. In 2013, tourism had a local economic impact of $1.4 billion.
Whether you’ve chosen a five-star resort, a smaller select service hotel, a golf villa, or a spacious family sized home, your vacation on Hilton Head Island is sure to be delightfully relaxing and memorable. Each of the Island’s renowned resort hotels has recently undergone a major renovation. The Beach House Hilton Head Island, the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, The Sea Pines Resort, and The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, which have long been considered among the finest resort accommodations in the country, are even more inviting after a combined $155 million investment in enhancements and renovations. Beautifully furnished guest rooms, appealing public spaces and restaurants are surrounded by stunning ocean views. Luxurious swimming pools, spas, first rate tennis courts and world-class golf are right at your doorstep.
The celebrated Sea Pines Resort, which has been a favorite destination for visitors for half a century, has undergone a $60 million redesign and rebuilding of the famed Harbour Town Clubhouse, the Sea Pines Plantation Golf Club, and the new oceanfront Sea Pines Beach Club. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, noted for its intimate ambiance and exemplary service, has also been refreshed to offer the ultimate Sea Pines experience.
Military Reservations
Beaufort is home to two military bases, Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station. Both are major employers in the area with many civilian employers.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (often abbreviated as MCRD PI) is an 8,095-acre military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately 5 miles south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines. Male recruits living east of the Mississippi River and female recruits from all over the United States report here to receive their initial training. Male recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive their training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, but may train at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island by special request.
The Marines train about 17,000 recruits at Parris Island each year. Recruit training for those enlisted in the United States Marine Corps includes a thirteen-week process during which the recruit becomes cut off from the civilian world and must adapt to a Marine Corps lifestyle. During training, the drill instructors train recruits in a wide variety of subjects including weapons
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training, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, personal hygiene and cleanliness, close order drill, and Marine Corps history. The training emphasizes physical fitness and combat effectiveness. Recruits must attain a minimum standard of fitness to graduate. This standard includes a Physical Fitness Test and a Combat Fitness Test. Recruits must also meet minimum combat- oriented swimming qualifications, qualify in rifle marksmanship with the M16A4 service rifle, pass minimum curriculum standards and complete a 54-hour simulated combat exercise known as "The Crucible".
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or MCAS Beaufort is a United States Marine Corps air base located three miles northwest of the central business district of Beaufort, a city in Beaufort County, South Carolina. About 4,700 personnel serve at the station, and it is home to five Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack squadrons and one F-35B Lightning II training squadron.
The air station encompasses 6,900 acres. It is also associated with a large air- to-air combat area off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia as well as a 5,200 acre air-to- ground combat and bombing range in McIntosh County, Georgia. Also attached to the base is the housing complex of Laurel Bay, just 3 miles from the station, which provides family housing for area service members.
Higher Education
The University of South Carolina, New River Campus and The Technical College of the Lowcountry call Bluffton home.
Situated in the Carolina Sea Islands in a region rich in history, steeped in natural beauty, teeming with extraordinary opportunities for those who participate in golf, tennis and water sports of all kinds and thriving as one of the world's great resort destinations, USC Beaufort offers students an exceptional place to learn and live in an environment focused on growth, preservation and opportunity.
The Bluffton campus (Main Campus), which opened in 2004, features on-campus student apartments and a brand-new Campus Center with dining, recreation and fitness facilities.
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USCB's Beaufort campus on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway is located in the heart of charming downtown Beaufort and is home to our Studio Arts program, Center for the Arts and many other cultural centers.
Both campuses offer undergraduate programs of study to some 2,000 students, who pay state university tuition but often feel as if they are studying at a small, liberal arts college.
Hilton Head Island campus coming in 2018 will host the Hospitality Management program.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry is the region’s primary provider of post-secondary education and workforce training. The public, two-year, multi-campus community college serves approximately 5,000 students annually. The college offers a variety of curricular programs including university transfer options, career and continuing education, online learning, and dual enrollment for area high school students.
TCL offers programs in arts and sciences, aviation technology, business, health sciences, computer technology, industrial technology and public service. The college provides comprehensive student services including academic advising, career counseling and veteran services. The college graduates more than 300 students annually. Fully 93% of TCL graduates either go on to four-year institutions or move directly into jobs. More than 10,000 TCL alumni live and work in the Lowcountry.
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Largest Employers
The Hospitality Industry – Community Grant Partners
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa - $25,000
Your beachfront retreat awaits you at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. With an exceptional location on the sandy shores of the Atlantic, our hotel offers a distinctive blend of comfort and sophistication. Make yourself at home in spacious accommodations and enjoy perks such as private balconies with magnificent coastline or resort views, plush robes and pampering bath items. Unparalleled amenities for your Hilton Head Island stay include three golf courses, a fitness center, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, watersports, a newly renovated lobby and more. Be sure to visit our signature spa for a day of blissful relaxation. Our on-site dining options will satisfy all your cravings, whether you are in the mood for casual dining al
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fresco, light bites or a more elegant meal at Blue. Our hotel's 46,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor venues set the stage for memorable meetings, weddings and more. For modern luxury on the beach, visit us at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa.
LGCOA (Lowcountry Golf Course Owner’s Association) - $10,000
Welcome to the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association on Hilton Head Island. Our mission is to attract and retain more golfers to our courses and we do this by helping our members operate their businesses more efficiently. Our programs include membership networking and education, purchasing programs to maximize savings, environmental awareness, and joint marketing efforts. The Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association is dedicated to preserving the integrity of this very special part of the world and the legacy of the game that we all love.
Omni Hilton Head Resort - $25,000
Envision yourself relaxing at the picture-perfect Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. We are privileged to sit on the #1 island in the Continental United States, as ranked by Travel + Leisure, and the #3 island in the United States as voted on by Condé Nast Traveler. From sugar sand beaches and sparkling pools to delicious dining and championship golf-course access, our resort has something for everyone.
Located off the southern coast of South Carolina, our Hilton Head hotel is a destination for families and couples alike. As part of the prestigious Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort community, we offer access to an 11-mile lagoon system complemented by bike trails, 25 tennis courts and three championship golf courses. The resort also showcases a beautiful poolscape that includes two family pools, one adult-only pool, kid's splash zone, two hot tubs and private cabanas among our native tropical foliage.
With more than 15,000 square feet of event space, we provide flexible, naturally lit meeting rooms, a premier location and a casual environment for all types of professional and social gatherings. Our resort exudes the style and Southern hospitality that will make you never want to leave.
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Palmetto Dunes - $25,000
One of the finest family friendly resort destinations in the world, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is located at the heart of Hilton Head Island, named as the #1 Beach Town in the US by Parents Magazine. Its three miles of sun-kissed Atlantic Ocean beachfront provide the perfect venue for three world-class golf courses, various condo and vacation home rentals, a full service marina, an award-winning tennis center, and an 11-mile lagoon. Guests may kayak or canoe the lagoon, sharing the pristine, natural environment with 40 species of birds and fish.
Harbourside, shopping and dining at Shelter Cove Harbour is a fun adventure, especially on Tuesday evenings during the summer when Harbourfest is in full swing. A wide array of boating activities operate out of the marina, including dolphin watching excursions, paddle boarding, sport crabbing and fishing. Among Hilton Head oceanfront luxury resorts, Palmetto Dunes enjoys well-earned reputation for creating unforgettable vacation experiences for the entire family.
Ever since it was envisioned and created as an ecologically-friendly beach resort in South Carolina, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has been winning accolades for the scope, beauty, luxury and quality of its vacation rental properties, activities and amenities.
Sea Pines Resort LLC- $25,000
Situated on 5,000 pristine oceanfront acres, The Sea Pines Resort offers unlimited opportunities for recreation on land and sea. Guests can spend their days exploring the picturesque grounds of the resort, lounging on the five-mile stretch of sandy beach, playing a round of golf or a tennis match on award-winning facilities, or enjoying a diverse selection of family-friendly activities.
Explore the resort property on horseback or by bicycle. Spend a morning touring our 605-acre forest preserve to discover Lowcountry flora and fauna. Kayak among playful dolphins and more than 80 species of birds, or hop onto a waverunner for a high-speed ocean adventure. Cast off for countless species of fish and reel in the freshest catch of the day during a Hilton Head fishing expedition.
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Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island - $25,000
Enjoy the charm and warmth of one of the finest hotels in Hilton Head South Carolina. Nestled along the coast with stunning 360º views and lush landscapes as far as the eye can see, our award-winning Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a premier destination for getaways, gatherings or business.
Walk along the beach, or stroll through our verdant, tropical gardens. Dine on the amazing fare offered at one of our several notable restaurants, but not before wading into our zero-entry lagoon swimming pool. Pamper your body and senses with a trip to our Arum Spa. Or venture outside to find some of the best treasures on the island at your disposal.
Our Hilton Head resort is best not kept to yourself. Recognized among area resorts–Hilton Head and beyond–Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island knows how to cater to individuals, businesses and most notably weddings and events. With 11 beautifully landscaped acres leading up to our seaside courtyard and space for up to 1,100 guests, we’re the perfect choice among Hilton Head hotels on the beach to host your event.
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa - $25,000
Perched on Hilton Head Island's famous white sand beaches and nestled amidst swaying palmetto trees, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa offers travelers a true tropical oasis.
It begins with our spacious, thoughtfully designed guestrooms, which are designed to reflect their coastal Carolina setting. All feature the Westin Heavenly Bed® and double-vanity Heavenly Bath®, as well as a private balcony, many of which boast stunning ocean views.
Enjoy the array of inspired amenities available at our Hilton Head Island resort, including private beach access, three beautiful swimming pools and four on-site restaurants. Children will love spending time at the Westin Family Kids Club, while you can escape to the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ for a rejuvenating massage. We also offer hotel guests access to the adjacent Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club for championship golf and tennis.
If you're hosting a meeting or wedding on Hilton Head Island, look no further than our 39,000 square feet of flexible venue space, including our newly-opened Grand Ocean Terrace, which boasts sweeping ocean views.
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Palmetto Dunes
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