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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- State tourism director Duane Parrish is in New York City spreading the word about South Carolina's attractions.

Parrish meets with about 40 journalists and bloggers in New York on Wednesday.

The event features South Carolina food and drink and offers the reporters story ideas about the state with the theme of "Great Stops on the Way to the Beach."

Tourism is an $18 billion business in South Carolina.

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