Decline in Canadian Tourists Affects Myrtle Beach Businesses

News Summary

Myrtle Beach sees a significant drop in Canadian vacationers, down over a third from previous years. Economic factors and political tensions contribute to cancellations, impacting local businesses heavily dependent on tourism. While the decline is striking, Canadian visitors continue to spend in the area, leading to new strategies for attracting tourists back. Upcoming events aim to revive interest among Canadian travelers amidst ongoing concerns about U.S.-Canada relations.

Myrtle Beach – The summer tourism season is closing on a disappointing note for Myrtle Beach, as Canadian vacationer numbers have plummeted by over a third compared to previous years. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has identified cost concerns and rising political tensions as key factors contributing to this sharp decline in visitors from Canada, which traditionally represents the region’s largest international tourist market.

This decline is particularly striking considering the historic significance of Canadian tourists, who typically travel to Myrtle Beach for weeklong vacations to escape the cold weather back home. Businesses across the area, including RV parks, have reported devastating financial impacts, with some establishments claiming losses of up to 85% in Canadian summer business. These statistics underscore the heavy reliance of the local economy on tourism from Canada.

Travis Thompson, general manager at Myrtle Beach Travel Park, has noted that Canadian tourists generally account for around 25% of July reservations. However, many of these travelers canceled their plans en masse in May, drastically affecting the summer visitor statistics. Canadians usually stay in Myrtle Beach for extended periods, often between 14 to 21 days, which amplifies the impact of cancellations.

Several key factors have led to a notable increase in cancellations this year. A significant decline in the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar has made travel more expensive for Canadians. Additionally, recent changes in health insurance laws have limited how long Canadians can stay in the U.S. without incurring exorbitant medical costs. Furthermore, a growing concern over the political climate and trade discussions has fostered an atmosphere of insecurity that dissuades Canadian tourists.

Local business owner Christian Petersen of Nellie’s Pizza has reported a drastic reduction in Canadian customers. He attributes this to various issues, echoing concerns related to tariff discussions and increasing food bank usage in Canada, which suggest financial hardships among potential travelers. Such broader economic conditions have likely influenced Canadians’ willingness and ability to visit the U.S.

Despite the drop in tourism, it is notable that Canadian visitors still contributed over $11 million in spending during the first half of the year through Visa credit card transactions. This signifies that while fewer Canadians are visiting, those that do are still making significant economic contributions to local businesses.

The turbulence in U.S.-Canada relations can be partially traced back to controversial remarks from President Donald Trump regarding Canada’s sovereignty and ongoing tariff discussions. These factors have further strained relations and have likely impacted the decision-making of Canadian tourists considering travel to Myrtle Beach and other U.S. destinations.

In light of the challenging circumstances, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is strategizing ways to attract Canadian visitors back to the region. Planned events like Can-Am Days, scheduled for March 8 to 16, are being organized to rejuvenate interest among Canadian tourists and stimulate tourism in the future. However, anecdotal evidence from various businesses suggests that cancellations continue to pose a challenge, even as efforts to counteract this trend are underway.

Additionally, events such as the Burlington Teen Tour Band’s cancellation of its participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival highlight the ongoing hesitance among Canadian groups regarding travel to the U.S., driven by concerns over the political atmosphere. Burlington city officials are also prioritizing support for their local economy as they navigate decisions on potential travel to the U.S.

The situation remains fluid as stakeholders in the Myrtle Beach area work to address the numerous influences impacting Canadian tourism. The outcomes of upcoming engagements and broader political developments will likely play a crucial role in determining the future of this vital economic sector.

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Additional Resources

• WBTW: Canadian Tourism Plummets in Myrtle Beach Area
• New York Times: Canada-Myrtle Beach Relations
• WPDE: Canadian Tourists Talk Trip to Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach Online: Tourism Challenges
• Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.