Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, October 9, 2025
Visit Myrtle Beach
Visit Myrtle Beach is the official tourism marketing organization dedicated to promoting Myrtle Beach as a premier vacation destination. Established in the early 1980s, the organization has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s tourism industry by showcasing its stunning beaches, vibrant entertainment options, and diverse attractions. Over the decades, Visit Myrtle Beach has grown into a key player in the local economy, working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community partners to attract millions of visitors annually. Its efforts have helped transform Myrtle Beach into a year-round resort destination, renowned for its hospitality, family-friendly activities, and natural beauty.
News Summary
As the tourist season draws to a close, Myrtle Beach experiences fluctuating hotel occupancy rates and inconsistent visitor spending. The area averaged around 70% occupancy during peak months, but many businesses are struggling with reduced travel from budget-conscious visitors and a decline in Canadian tourism. The effects of heavy rainfall and economic uncertainty continue to impact local revenue streams, raising questions about the future of tourism in this popular destination.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is experiencing a mixed tourism season as it winds down into fall. Although occupancy rates for hotels and short-term rentals averaged around 70% this peak season, reflecting consistency with 2024 figures, some local businesses distressed as economic pressures mount and visitor patterns shift.
According to data from Visit Myrtle Beach, the summer of 2025 has presented a mixed bag for businesses, with significant declines in travel among budget-conscious Americans. This trend has contributed to diminished visitor spending, particularly in the restaurant sector, as travelers look to save money by preparing their own meals in hotel rooms instead of dining out. The decline in Canadian tourism has compounded these issues, as numbers from that market have dropped by 30-40% on average this summer.
This season began with a dip in hotel and rental occupancy rates in June 2025 compared to 2024; however, July and August saw an increase, highlighting a fluctuating demand environment. Notably, higher-cost national brand hotels reported increased business, while economy and independently owned accommodations struggled to attract guests.
The overall occupancy average remained stable at around 70% for the summer, a figure consistent with last year despite heavy rain and tropical storms negatively affecting tourism. From May through June, Horry County registered 183% more rain than the previous year, driving visitors to indoor attractions which performed better than outdoor venues during this adverse weather.
Additionally, the local economy has felt the impact of these seasonal fluctuations, with accommodations tax collections down nearly 9% as decreased tourism has stifled revenue streams for local businesses. Economic uncertainty and inflation have also resulted in a trend where travelers book hotels closer to their departure dates, further complicating occupancy rates and making demand less predictable.
The tourism boom Myrtle Beach experienced during 2021 and 2022 following COVID-19 lockdowns is giving way to signs of a slower recovery. While tourism rates in 2025 are reported to be up about 12% compared to pre-lockdown levels in 2019, the recent data presents a more complex picture of visitor engagement. In fact, visitor numbers for 2023 dipped slightly to 18.2 million, falling short of over 18.6 million in 2022.
Public safety concerns, including high-profile shootings in the region, have not significantly deterred tourism according to industry representatives. However, critics have pointed to the Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan, which restricts vehicle traffic on weekends, as a damaging factor for many local businesses.
As Myrtle Beach adapts to this changing landscape, there are signs of resilience, particularly in increased occupancy later in the summer months. Business leaders remain optimistic about the future, especially as the area’s tourism transition continues to evolve into a year-round destination due to community investments in attractions and infrastructure.
Key Statistics from Myrtle Beach Tourism Season
- Hotel occupancy dropped in June 2025 compared to June 2024
- Occupancy increased in both July and August 2025
- Average occupancy rate stood at 70% for the peak season
- Visitor numbers for 2023 were reported at 18.2 million
- Canadian tourism numbers declined by 30-40%
- Accommodations tax collections fell by nearly 9%
- Horry County experienced 183% more rain from May through June compared to the prior year
FAQ Section
What was the hotel occupancy rate for Myrtle Beach in the summer of 2025?
The overall occupancy averaged around 70% for the season, consistent with 2024 figures.
How did June 2025 hotel occupancy compare to June 2024?
Hotel and short-term rental occupancy in June 2025 was down compared to 2024.
What challenges are businesses in Myrtle Beach facing?
Many businesses are struggling despite the fall season’s start, especially with decreased spending by visitors.
How is Canadian tourism impacting Myrtle Beach?
Canadian tourism numbers in Myrtle Beach are down 30-40% on average this summer.
What trends are being observed in visitor numbers for Myrtle Beach?
Visitor numbers for 2023 were reportedly at 18.2 million, slightly down from over 18.6 million in the previous year.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Summer 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Average Occupancy Rate | 70% |
| Visitor Numbers for 2023 | 18.2 million |
| Decline in Canadian Tourism | 30-40% |
| Accommodations Tax Collections Drop | 9% |
| Increased Rainfall (May – June) | 183% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Mayoral Race: Candidates Share Priorities
Myrtle Beach Introduces AI-Powered Golf Itineraries for Travelers
Golf Resorts Embrace Short Courses to Attract Players
Myrtle Beach Golf Adventures: Indoor Alternatives for Rainy Days
Hilton Head Island Boosts Fall Golf Tourism
Breeze Airways Expands Flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando from Myrtle Beach
Thousands Attend Memorial for Charlie Kirk in Arizona
Discover the Quirkiest Attractions in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Open Year-Round for Fall Fun
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Mixed Bag as Myrtle Beach Sees Shifting Tourism Trends
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Businesses, Hotels, Summer Tourism
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Tourism Numbers Summer 2025
- Travel and Tour World: US Tourism Faces Surprising Shifts
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Report
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach tourism 2025
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach tourism
- Google News: Myrtle Beach businesses
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.
