News Summary
Myrtle Beach is experiencing an 85% drop in Canadian visitors this summer, impacting local businesses and highlighting a trend across U.S. coastal destinations. Financial pressures, health insurance concerns, and political tensions are among the reasons leading to this decline. Local businesses, reliant on Canadian tourists for their extended stays and spending habits, are adjusting by reducing hours and staff amidst this downturn. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is launching marketing campaigns to attract visitors back while hoping for economic recovery in Canada to improve future tourism.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has witnessed a significant decline in Canadian tourism this summer, with visitor numbers plummeting by 85%. This steep drop is a part of a larger trend impacting popular U.S. coastal destinations, including Florida, New York, Maine, Washington, and Oregon. As beach towns across the nation report empty hotel rooms, closed umbrellas, and quiet boardwalks, local businesses are grappling with the economic fallout of reduced Canadian travelers.
The ongoing decline is among the most pronounced in recent years, according to tourism experts. Airlines have responded to diminishing demand by reducing flights between Canada and Florida by as much as 13% this season, exacerbating the drop in visitors. In Florida, cities such as Miami, Clearwater, and Fort Lauderdale have experienced a 70% decrease in Canadian bookings. Additionally, beaches in California, including those in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz, have also seen a considerable reduction in Canadian tourists.
The number of border crossings from Canada to New York and Maine fell by 21% to 26% in June 2025. Many Canadians attribute their cancelation of travel plans to financial pressures, such as a weakened Canadian dollar and escalating living costs. The combined effects of inflation, high housing expenses, and increasing food prices in Canada have further dampened Canadian travelers’ ability and willingness to book trips to the U.S.
Moreover, issues surrounding health insurance while traveling in the U.S. have made many Canadians hesitant to travel. Political tensions between the two countries also contribute to travel apprehension, as some Canadians feel unwelcome amid political discourse and tariff discussions.
Myrtle Beach has historically depended on Canadian tourists for extended stays, with many visitors typically spending two to three weeks in the area. These tourists have been crucial to the local economy, not only due to their longer stays but also their propensity to spend more compared to domestic travelers. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce reported that Canadian travel is down by over one-third this season, leaving local businesses to struggle with the sudden decrease in revenue.
The decline became evident as early as May, with many travelers citing financial challenges as the main reason for canceling their trips. As a result, local businesses are adjusting to decreased demand by cutting back on operating hours and reducing staff numbers. Despite the downturn, Canadians still spent over $11 million in Myrtle Beach from January to June 2025, indicating that some spending remains but not enough to reflect full summer revenue.
In response to this worrying trend, marketing campaigns aimed at enticing Canadian visitors back to Myrtle Beach are underway. These initiatives include promotional discounts and updates on safety protocols. The local chamber of commerce is actively exploring strategies to attract more domestic travelers and enhance visitor services to help mitigate the economic impact of the decline in Canadian tourism.
The future of Canadian tourism in Myrtle Beach may depend on an economic recovery in Canada, improvements in the exchange rate, and resolving issues related to travel costs. As local businesses adapt to the new reality, the community remains hopeful for a rebound in tourism, crucial for the area’s economic vitality.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Canadian Tourism Plummets in Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Travel and Tour World: Canadian Tourist Decline
- Google Search: Canadian Tourism Myrtle Beach
- Woodall’s Campground Magazine: Report on Canadian Tourism Plummeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economy
- New York Times: Canada and Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Canadian Tourism
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Canadian Tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Canadian Tourism
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.
