Thoroughbred Country, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties, is one of eleven state appointed tourism regions in South Carolina. The program, sponsored by the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, began in 1980 to help attract visitors to this area of the state. The program is funded by the State of South Carolina through the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Our mission is to collectively market the four county region of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties as a tourism destination and to support and encourage the development of local tourism attractions, services and programs, thereby providing economic benefits to the area.

Thoroughbred Country produces a Visitors Guide which contains information on points of interest, lodging, restaurants, shopping, golf, hunting, fishing, parks and more, every two years for fulfillment of inquiries. This guide is stocked at all South Carolina Welcome Centers as well as local and regional visitors centers.

Other means of promotion include:

• Six minute promotional video on Thoroughbred Country which is distributed to tour operators for use with their clients.

• Attendance at trade shows including the National Tour Association Annual Convention, the American Bus Association Marketplace and Travel South.

• Thoroughbred Country Group Tour Planner which is distributed to tour operators and group leaders for use in planning trips to the area.

• Presentations given to local groups to help educate residents on area attractions.

• Monthly press releases, containing information about upcoming events, sent to newspapers and magazines.

• Quarterly newsletter, "Driving Up Business", produced to communicate with members of the hospitality industry as well as state and local officials.

In order to promote our regional locally, nationally and internationally, Thoroughbred Country maintains membership in the following organizations: