News Summary
Myrtle Beach, a favorite destination for Canadians, faces challenges as mounting political tensions lead many to pause their travel plans. With families reconsidering vacations, local businesses feel the impact of potential cancellations. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce hopes to navigate these changes while celebrating Canadian visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy.
Myrtle Beach Stands At the Crossroads of Canadian Tourism
Oh, the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach! An iconic holiday destination that has drawn in countless visitors from Canada, but recently it seems that the winds of change are blowing through this vibrant seaside town. There’s a palpable shift in the air as some Canadians are hitting the pause button on their travel plans due to escalating political tensions.
Canadians Choosing to Stay Home
Take the case of Michael Quinn, an Ottawa resident who just put his family’s 10-day vacation to Myrtle Beach on the chopping block. This year marks the third consecutive time they’ve opted out of their annual escape to the beach. The Quinntastic family is among many Canadians re-evaluating their travel plans to the U.S., particularly in light of recent comments made by President Donald Trump about annexing Canada and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods. It’s a situation that isn’t sitting well with many vacationers.
The emotions are raw; politics is at the root of these decisions for many families, not the alluring attractions that make Myrtle Beach so appealing. Families like the Quinns want their voices to be heard about the sentiment they feel toward the political discourse currently overshadowing their fun in the sun.
Impact of Canadian Tourists on Myrtle Beach
History underscores the importance of Canadian tourists to Myrtle Beach and its neighboring areas like North Myrtle Beach. Canadians have not only represented the top source of international visitors to the U.S., but they’ve also brought in substantial economic benefits. In 2024 alone, Canada accounted for approximately 20.4 million visits to the U.S., generating a whopping $20.5 billion in expenditures.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce even hosts Can-Am Days each year to celebrate and welcome their Canadian guests, a tradition set to occur from March 8 through 16 this year. However, despite the Chamber’s tradition of hospitality, they haven’t actually confirmed widespread cancellations yet. They are actively keeping an eye on the evolving travel trends, hoping for the best while preparing for potential dips in visitor numbers.
Local Business Hesitations Grow
Local businesses are also starting to feel the pinch. Destination North Myrtle Beach, while not tracking exact cancellation numbers from Canadian visitors, has certainly noticed an increase in public conversations about how political climates are impacting travel choices. It’s a difficult atmosphere for many local shops and restaurants that rely heavily on the influx of Canadian tourists during the bustling season.
Although the Chamber remains optimistic about bringing tourists back to their beloved beach, residents are feeling the economic heat. Even events like the Burlington Teen Tour Band from Ontario had to take a step back, canceling its planned appearance in Myrtle Beach’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Why? Concerns regarding how potential tariffs could affect their budget and local economic interests weighed heavy on their minds.
Social Media Buzz Around Cancellations
The chatter isn’t just happening in person; social media platforms are ablaze with discussions about travel cancellations. A particularly active Facebook group sparked intense conversations and gathered a flurry of 901 comments and over 17,000 likes before moderators eventually had to step in, restraining further discussions. It’s clear that this is a hot-button issue for many Canadians who feel passionately about supporting local tourism either in Canada or the U.S.
Recent surveys, including one from Leger Poll, reveal startling statistics. Nearly half of Canadian travelers, especially those aged 55 and older from Ontario, expressed they’re less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 compared to previous years. In light of this, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is rallying citizens to consider focusing on domestic tourism as a patriotic act during these tumultuous times.
What’s Next for Myrtle Beach?
As uncertainties loom, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to maintaining a thriving tourism economy despite the changing travel habits. Visitors may be rethinking their plans, but with its sunny beaches and attractions, Myrtle Beach remains hopeful that they can woo back their beloved Canadian guests. The evolving sentiment among Canadian travelers may just be a momentary bump in the road, but for now, it sure has everyone talking.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- CNN
- WBTW
- PAX News
- MSN Travel
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach 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.
