​The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) started when two groups joined forces. The first group was of hotel owners worried about issues like counterfeit money, and the second group was of restaurant owners in Georgetown who raised money for disability services. These groups merged in 2012 to create SCRLA.

SCRLA aims to help South Carolina's hospitality industry grow and its economy prosper through innovation, advocacy, and education. Over 2,400 businesses (restaurants, industry service providers, and lodging companies) that belong to the group are key to South Carolina's workforce and community development. A board of directors runs SCRLA. Board members have experience in hotel management, food service, cooking, event planning, and other related fields.

SCRLA works to change laws that help businesses in the hospitality industry. The group talks directly to lawmakers and organizes local efforts to support restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses, whether locally, statewide, or on the national front. SCRLA tracks bills that affect the industry. The association focuses on insurance, legal responsibility and court reform, alcohol rules, worker training and hiring, tax policy, and short-term rental and tourism laws.

The Political Action Committee (PAC) strengthens the industry's voice in political matters. Through PAC, the association pools member contributions to back candidates whose policy positions align with the industry's interests, like supporting job growth and economic development, to vie for public office. An advisory board composed of professionals from the hospitality community governs the committee and decides which campaigns to support. People can donate money to the PAC via SCRLA's online donation portal. To support general advocacy efforts, such as lobbying and outreach, members and non-members can donate to the Legislative Advocacy Fund.

Education helps SCRLA support the hospitality industry's growth. The association uses its charitable arm, the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Foundation (SCRLF), which started in 1999, to offer education and skill training. The foundation runs a ProStart program that teaches high school students about the food service industry over two years. Students learn kitchen skills and workplace basics through hands-on training.

Restaurant Ready works like ProStart but helps people already out of school and seeking hospitality jobs. Meanwhile, the ServSafe program teaches food service workers how to handle food safely. Participants have to complete coursework and pass the Food Protection Manager Certification Exam. This certification meets the state Department of Health and Environmental Control's requirements.

On matters of emergency and safety, SCRLA runs programs such as Hubitality and À la Heart GVL for hospitality workers. Hubitality is a local emergency assistance program that provides financial aid to employees facing personal crises like natural disasters. The program operates in partnership with the Spartanburg Area Restaurant and Lodging Association and is part of the broader charitable mission of the SCRLF. À la Heart GVL is a newer program that helps hospitality workers in Greenville County, South Carolina, during personal crises. SCLRA's website also features resources from government sites such as Ready.gov and SBA.gov, which individuals can use to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

SCRLA also collaborates with BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking). This merged group teaches hospitality workers how to find and report human trafficking. Training takes 30 minutes and covers areas like what sex and labor trafficking look like in hotels and restaurants. Workers also learn about warning signs and how to act safely. The course uses real examples and gives workers more resources to learn.

Throughout the year, the association organizes events for networking and learning. Among these is Restaurant Week South Carolina, which runs for 11 days across the state to celebrate the state's culinary scene. Membership Mixers and Chapter Meetings happen in different areas. The group also runs training events like the SC DOR ABL Basics Workshop for Alcohol Permitting.

​Excellence standards in the service industry help hotels and restaurants maintain consistent services, satisfy guests, and build their reputations, which increases profits. Forbes Travel Guide offers a global rating system establishments can use to evaluate the quality of their service.

Forbes Travel Guide uses 900 objective criteria to assess restaurants, spas, and hotels. These criteria measure excellence by evaluating services, facilities, and the overall guest experience. Forbes inspectors visit the establishments randomly and anonymously to see the businesses’ true state. They book their stays as any other guest, which allows them to evaluate key elements such as guest interactions, facility cleanliness, food and beverage quality, and luxury amenities.

Inspectors use a detailed scoring system that prioritizes quality service. Service accounts for 70 to 75 percent of the total score, while physical facilities comprise the remainder. This emphasis on service reflects Forbes Travel Guide's belief that human interactions and emotional connections during а guest's stay create exceptional hospitality. These inspectors assess hundreds of objective standards or questions, which they answer with a simple "yes" or "no." The final assessment produces three major rating levels.

Establishments that deliver consistent, high-quality service and maintain their facilities well earn the "recommended" rating. These properties may not offer the luxury or personalization of four- or five-star hotels, but they meet or sometimes exceed Forbes Travel Guide's basic quality standards. Recommended restaurants deliver a satisfying dining experience with quality cuisine and efficient services. Guests know these establishments will meet their essential needs with a high degree of care and consistency.

The four-star rating (scoring 82 percent and above) signifies exceptional service and top-notch facilities. Four-star staff are trained to provide professional service and respond promptly to guests' needs with courtesy. Rooms and common areas feature upscale finishes, modern design, and elegant comfort. The cuisine is of a high quality, with excellent presentation. Furthermore, the housekeeping staff maintains strict cleanliness standards.

The Forbes Travel Guide five-star rating is the gold standard of excellence in hospitality, requiring а score of 90 percent or higher. Only restaurants, spas, and hotels offering ultra-high-quality personalized experiences, luxury, and attention to detail earn this rating. To ensure personalization and outstanding customer service, staff members anticipate guests' needs even before they ask, offering thoughtful and intuitive help. The physical aspects of five-star properties are equally impeccable. Establishments design every space, from lobbies to guest rooms, to reflect luxury and comfort. This includes high-quality linens, advanced technology, and exclusive features that enhance guests’ experiences.

Hospitality businesses use frequent internal audits with digital checklists to maintain standards and pursue Forbes Travel Guide ratings. These audits enable hotels to monitor various aspects of excellence, ensuring they align with Forbes' 900 objective criteria. Digital checklists also help departments maintain consistent quality standards that match Forbes' requirements. Paperless audits streamline inspections, saving time and resources while supporting sustainability efforts, which Forbes values. With digital checklists, establishments can also track performance instantly, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions before Forbes inspectors arrive. Additionally, staff can share reports and collaborate across departments to maintain excellent service standards.

​Florence is an Italian city in Tuscany that traces its roots back to the first century BCE, when it was а Roman colony. Centuries later, the city established itself as a center for trade, finance, and culture, with the Medici family and other powerful houses fueling this growth. Florence's storied history and many attractions make it one of Italy's most visited destinations today.

One of Florence's recognizable landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio, carries а touch of the city's history. This structure dates back to the late 13th century and represents Florence's political and artistic legacy. The building first housed the government of the Republic of Florence. Later, the Medici family made it their home before relocating to the Pitti Palace. Three features stand out at the Palazzo Vecchio. The first is its fortress-like structure, featuring а tall tower and grand halls adorned with Renaissance art. The Salone dei Cinquecento, a massive hall that once hosted the Council of Five Hundred for political meetings, is another famous structure. Perhaps the most intriguing is the palace's hidden passages. The Medicis built these secret routes to move through the palace without being seen.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore tells the story of Florence being the site of the beginning of the European Renaissance. It is also called the Florence Cathedral or Duomo di Firenze, and locals see it as the city's crown Jewel. Filippo Brunelleschi, а great Italian architect, created the Cathedral's red-tiled dome, a cupola which has no supporting structures beneath it. Walking the 463 steps to its top offers a great view of Florence and the Tuscan hills close by. Giotto's Campanile is а separate bell tower in the cathedral complex, decorated with detailed carvings and marble inlays. Another attraction near the cathedral, the Battistero di San Giovanni, is among the oldest religious buildings in Florence.

The Uffizi Gallery is popular with travelers seeking to explore Renaissance art. The Medici family once used this building for their offices. The gallery now houses Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli. His famous piece titled Birth of Venus (depicting the goddess rising from the sea) ranks among Uffizi's most famous masterpieces.

For those wanting to enjoy a good view of Florence, the Piazzale Michelangelo offers а great vista of the city's skyline. Travelers can see landmarks like the Duomo from this vantage point. Giuseppe Poggi, а renowned architect and urban planner, designed the square as part of his grand vision in the 19th century to redevelop and beautify the city of Florence, which briefly served as Italy's capital at the time. The initial idea was to make а museum of Michelangelo's works, but this never materialized. The piazza now features bronze replicas of Michelangelo's sculpture, including David and allegorical figures from the Medici Chapel. But the main draw remains the amazing views of the city, especially at sunset.

Also in Florence is the Palazzo Pitti. Luca Pitti, a wealthy Florentine merchant, built the palace in the 15th century. He wanted a grand residence, so he commissioned Luca Fancelli, an apprentice of Brunelleschi, to design it. Later, the Medici family acquired and expanded the palace over a period of two centuries. Napoleon also used the palace as his residence after the Medici family's rule ended. The Palazzo Pitti now showcases culture and art through its many museums. A custom gallery displays historic clothing and accessories, and the Silver Museum holds treasures from the Medici era.

The Boboli Gardens stretch behind the Palazzo Pitti palace. The Medicis created these gardens in the mid-16th century, and European courts later copied their design. The gardens contain Renaissance statues, geometric patterns, and large grottos. They function as an outdoor museum where visitors can see the Medici family's artistic influence throughout the space.

​Italy ranks among the most visited destinations worldwide, drawing millions of travelers year after year. Its extensive history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage continue to captivate visitors. From ancient ruins and artistic masterpieces to scenic coastlines and world-renowned cuisine, Italy offers an immersive experience that combines tradition with modern appeal. Cities like Rome and Florence stand as cultural landmarks, while regions such as Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast highlight the country’s diverse and picturesque landscapes.

Rome, often referred to as “The Eternal City,” holds a prominent place in history as the center of the Roman Empire. It is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the ruins of the Roman Forum. Vatican City, an independent enclave within Rome, houses St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo’s renowned frescoes. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, features architectural splendor and artistic heritage. The Uffizi Gallery displays masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, while the Florence Cathedral remains an architectural marvel that continues attracting visitors worldwide.

Beyond its historical sites, Italy has breathtaking natural landscapes. The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and charming seaside villages, offers some of Europe's most picturesque coastal views. In northern Italy, the lake district provides a serene escape, with destinations such as Lake Como and Lake Garda known for their tranquil waters and scenic mountain backdrops. Tuscany, famous for its rolling vineyards and medieval towns, showcases the country’s rural beauty while upholding its role as a key region for wine production. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attract outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and stunning alpine views.

Italy’s cultural identity stems from its traditions, arts, and historic celebrations. Festivals and cultural events throughout the country display a long-standing commitment to heritage preservation. Events such as the Venice Carnival and the Palio di Siena celebrate centuries-old customs. At the same time, modern film and fashion festivals in Milan and Rome reflect Italy’s ongoing influence on global culture. Hospitality plays a central role in Italian society, strongly emphasizing family and community values. Visitors often experience a welcoming atmosphere ingrained in Italian traditions, whether in bustling cities or small countryside towns.

Italy’s culinary heritage is another defining feature of its cultural identity. Each region boasts unique flavors and specialties, reflecting local ingredients and cooking traditions. UNESCO recognizes Naples as the birthplace of pizza, with its Neapolitan-style thin crust and fresh tomato sauce as part of Italy’s intangible cultural heritage. In Tuscany, handmade pasta dishes such as pappardelle al cinghiale highlight the region’s rustic cuisine, while coastal areas offer fresh seafood prepared using traditional Mediterranean techniques. The country’s wine culture is equally renowned, with regions like Piedmont and Veneto producing some of the world’s finest varieties.

With a blend of historical significance, artistic achievements, natural beauty, and culinary excellence, Italy remains a leading destination for travelers seeking cultural enrichment and scenic exploration. Its ability to offer diverse experiences, from ancient ruins to modern festivals, reinforces its status as a place of enduring appeal. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to explore new regions, travelers continue to find inspiration in the landscapes, traditions, and artistry that define Italy.