WNBA Rookie of the Year and former University of South Carolina star Aliyah Boston will be partnering with Experience Columbia in South Carolina to share her experiences exploring Columbia, including some of her favorite spots and activities during her time at the University of South Carolina.
“Columbia holds a very special place in my heart,” Boston said. “This community embraced me from my first day when I arrived as a freshman and will always feel like home. I’m excited and proud to partner with Experience Columbia SC and be a part of sharing this beautiful, vibrant and diverse city with visitors.”
Boston will join the Experience Columbia team for special appearances in the coming year as well as a marketing, PR and social campaign to promote travel to the region.
“Aliyah is beloved in Columbia, and her genuine love of Columbia makes this a perfect and natural partnership,” said Bill Ellen, president and chief executive officer of Experience Columbia SC. “AHer charisma, authenticity and love for community engagement also align with our brand. Our partnership is poised to make a positive and long-lasting impact on our region’s tourism industry.”
Boston is also an official tourism ambassador for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Boston is a St. Thomas native.
“With the success of our local ambassador program and recent NIL partnerships with University of South Carolina student athletes, Experience Columbia SC is looking to further expand our partnerships to share what makes the Columbia region so special to visitors and residents,” said Kelly Barbrey, vice president of marketing and communications for Experience Columbia SC. “Our partnership with Aliyah came out of a mutual love for this community and wanting to share it with others. We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with her and share the region with new audiences both regionally and nationally.”