CONFEDERATE FLAG FLAP PREDICTED TO HELP TOURISM

CONFEDERATE FLAG FLAP PREDICTED TO HELP TOURISM

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Wireless Flash) -- South Carolina tourism officials are doing lots of flag-waving over the recent decision to remove the Confederate flag from the state's capitol dome. The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau predicts the flag removal will result in a big boom from conventioneers who previously avoided the city because of the Confederate flag. Officials estimate local hotels and businesses lost at least $3.5 million last year from conventions that avoided the area because of the flag flap. A tourism official says the city expects to recoup its losses once the flag is removed on July 1.