f you live in South Carolina, chances are you have visited Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Since Riverbanks opened in 1974, more than 23 million visitors have passed through its gates. The zoo houses over 2,000 animals, and the botanical garden, adjacent to the zoo, boasts 70 acres of land devoted to woodlands, gardens, and plant collections.

Riverbanks gives back to our state in many ways: educational opportunities for school children is just one example. It also significantly and positively impacts our local and state economy, which is especially critical in this tough economic climate.

Last year, Riverbanks approached the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management with a request for assistance in determining the economic impact of their facility. Riverbanks officials wanted to determine the economic contribution of the zoo in terms of dollars generated and number of jobs created annually for the local economy.

Charged with this study, Dr. Ercan Sirakaya-Turk, professor and interim associate dean for graduate studies and research in the college, conducted extensive research on the economic impact of Riverbanks. According to findings of his study, Riverbanks can be considered a significant economic driver in our economy.

Riverbanks generates 723 jobs, $60.8 million
in business sales, and $18.3 million in employee salaries and benefits annually.

As a result of Riverbanks’ existence and operation, Columbia attracts tourists, who bring new dollars and generate jobs in the area. The income from Riverbanks’ tourists ultimately extends out to other parts of the state, and beyond. Turk was able to determine in the study that Riverbanks generates 723 jobs,
$60.8 million in business sales, and $18.3 million in employee salaries and benefits annually.

The results from the study showcase the magnitude of Riverbanks’ impact on the economy, and Riverbanks officials now have hard data to argue effectively the contributions Riverbanks makes to the local community. “This research project quantifies the dollar impact that the zoo has on the community. Riverbanks will be able to show the true economic contribution of their facility to the community. Decision makers and legislators will be able to use this information so that the zoo may receive funding for things they need. It is quite possible that with additional funding, the zoo will continue to grow, attract a larger tourist crowd, and offer more programs and exhibits to its visitors,” Dr. Turk said.

Dr. Turk has an extensive background in research and publishing. He worked at two major research universities, Penn State and Texas A&M, before coming to USC and has been involved in contracted research in the past. He most recently completed work for the state of Texas where he identified advertising effectiveness, impact of advertising, and return on investment on state dollars spent for tourism promotion.

Working with corporations and organizations around the country, the college provides research and expertise for numerous research studies. “We have expertise within the college and we also get our numbers verified by an independent economist who is also internationally known as a tourism researcher, so our numbers can pass any type of audit.  We can do similar studies for any organization or facility that considers itself a tourist attraction,” Dr. Turk said.

The college conducts research studies in tourism and in each of the industries we represent. If you are interested in commissioning a study for your organization, contact Dr. Turk at ercan@sc.edu.