Tourists Enjoy Slower Labor Day Season in Myrtle Beach; Businesses Remain Hopeful
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The official end of summer, Labor Day, typically brings an influx of tourists to Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular beach destinations in the country. However, the summer of 2024 has felt somewhat different, with a noticeable dip in the usual summer crowds. Despite this, the local business community retains its optimism and continues to serve its visitors with the customary Myrtle Beach warmth and hospitality.
Dwindling Numbers but Steady Spirits
According to statistics provided by STR lodging, hotel occupancy for July and August was down 3.4 percent this year compared to the same period in the previous year. This decrease was noticeable, but the community remains cheerful. As expressed by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, despite these challenges, the area’s performance is deemed better than anticipated.
Ronald Dupre, a guest from Philadelphia, spent his Labor Day vacation here. “Myrtle Beach was fun, it was worth the trip. Nine and a half hours,” he happily remarked. Like many others, Dupre was not deterred by the less bustling scene but found it a more enjoyable environment for his vacation.
Unexpected Advantages
Considering the scenario, various tourists found the decreased crowd to be a boon rather than a bane. Evangeline Bullock, who was visiting Myrtle Beach for The Wave of Praise Gospel Event, enjoyed her time at the beach after the event. “We got a chance today after the event was over for Friday and Saturday to come put our feet in the water and that was great, it’s always good to get some sand in your toes and enjoy what the world offers through Myrtle Beach,” stated Bullock.
Dylan Santiago made a last-minute decision to come to Myrtle Beach for the holiday. He was pleasantly surprised by the less crowded scene and Lapid, “It’s a lot easier to experience everything when there aren’t a lot of people around.”
Hopes for a Rebound
Local businesses and operators remain hopeful that the number of tourists will increase before the commencement of the slow season. They appreciate the support given by those who chose them as their summer destination despite all odds the season presented, and they aim to continue providing the best hospitality.
The decrease in occupancy can be seen as a silver lining in disguise, offering tourists a unique opportunity to experience Myrtle Beach in a less crowded manner. The community remains hopeful that numbers will bounce back in the following seasons.
The current scenario serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Myrtle Beach community. Their determination to remain positive and keep their businesses running despite the decreased occupancy and visits shows true perseverance and optimism.
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.
