Myrtle Beach, October 9, 2025
Visit Myrtle Beach
Visit Myrtle Beach is a premier travel and tourism organization dedicated to promoting the Myrtle Beach area as a top vacation destination. Established in the early 1950s, the organization has played a vital role in developing the region into a renowned beach resort destination. Over the decades, Visit Myrtle Beach has collaborated with local businesses, government agencies, and tourism boards to enhance visitor experiences and expand the area’s appeal. The organization offers comprehensive resources for travelers, including marketing campaigns, event coordination, and visitor information. With a rich history rooted in community development and tourism growth, Visit Myrtle Beach continues to attract millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.
News Summary
Myrtle Beach’s summer tourism season was affected by adverse weather conditions and economic uncertainties, leading to a significant decline in international visitors and hotel occupancy. Despite a mixed performance, there were signs of recovery in late summer. The region experienced a 30-40% drop in international visitors, especially from Canada, and heavy rainfall further complicated tourism efforts. Business leaders express concern over recent policies impacting local sales opportunities. Future investments aim to extend the tourism season beyond summer.
Myrtle Beach faced a challenging summer tourism season, according to information provided by Visit Myrtle Beach. The region exhibited a mixed bag of results, affected by weather events and economic uncertainties that impacted local businesses.
Notably, there was a 30-40% decline in international visitors, especially from Canada. Economic pressures also played a role in travel trends, as hotel and short-term rental occupancy saw a decline in June compared to the previous year. However, the numbers improved in July and August, leading to an overall average occupancy for the season of approximately 70%, which aligns with the levels observed in 2024.
The tourism sector was significantly influenced by a series of weather disruptions, including a wildfire in Carolina Forest that started in March and remained challenging until late May. Additionally, Tropical Storm Chantal adversely impacted the tourism traffic during the crucial Fourth of July weekend. August rainfall was also heavy, contributing to cancellations and lessened bookings during peak months. Specifically, Horry County experienced 183% more rain from May through June than in the previous year, creating further obstacles for the tourism industry.
Despite a 2.1% decline in hotel occupancy rates this summer compared to last year, with accommodations tax collections falling by nearly 9%, there were signs of recovery. While May and June reported a decrease in hotel occupancy by 4.8% and a 0.6% dip in short-term rental occupancy, the later summer months showed signs of resilience with improved occupancy figures.
Indoor attractions seemed to benefit from the rainy weather, attracting visitors looking for alternatives to outdoor activities. Nonetheless, some local restaurants encountered severe challenges, with reports of losses amounting to over $10,000 per weekend relative to the previous year. Business leaders have pointed out that declines were not restricted to Myrtle Beach—other destinations like Tampa Bay and Daytona Beach faced even worse downturns.
The introduction of an Emergency Vehicle Access Plan, limiting vehicle traffic on Ocean Boulevard during weekends, has raised concerns among business owners who feel it has adversely affected their sales opportunities. Public safety concerns, particularly prompted by high-profile shootings, led city officials to enforce stricter curfews as well.
While the tourism industry faced significant hurdles, July and August saw an increase in occupancy, indicating potential recovery within the sector. Visit Myrtle Beach has taken notice of shifting traveler preferences, highlighting a growing inclination for branded hotels over independent motels. The decline in independent hotel occupancy is likely due to travelers being more discerning regarding their spending and seeking amenities.
In terms of visitor counts, Myrtle Beach welcomed 18.2 million visitors in 2024, with expectations that numbers may not return to the post-COVID boom levels in the near future. The city is progressively being recognized as a year-round destination, moving away from the traditional reliance on summer tourism. This shift is supported by ongoing investments in local infrastructure and attractions aimed at extending the tourism season beyond the summer months. Efforts are currently underway to attract local visitors earlier in the tourism season.
FAQ
What was the decline in international visitors to Myrtle Beach?
There was a 30-40% decline in international visitors, particularly from Canada.
How did economic pressures impact hotel occupancy?
Hotel and short-term rental occupancy in June was down compared to the previous year, but occupancy saw an increase in July and August.
What was the overall average occupancy rate for Myrtle Beach in the summer season?
The overall average occupancy for the season was around 70%, consistent with 2024 levels.
What were the weather events that impacted tourism?
A Carolina Forest wildfire that ignited in March and was not fully contained until late May and Tropical Storm Chantal, which negatively affected Fourth of July weekend tourism.
How much more rain did Horry County experience compared to the previous year?
Horry County experienced 183% more rain from May through June than the previous year.
What was the hotel occupancy rate decline compared to the last summer?
Hotel occupancy rates in Myrtle Beach declined by 2.1% compared to last summer.
What challenges did local restaurants face?
Some restaurants reported losses upwards of $10,000 per weekend compared to the previous year.
What is being done to attract more visitors beyond the summer season?
Local businesses are looking for ways to extend the tourism season, focusing particularly on attracting local visitors earlier in the season.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| International Visitors Decline | 30-40% decrease, particularly from Canada |
| June Occupancy Rates | Decline compared to previous years |
| July and August Occupancy | Increase in occupancy |
| Total Visitor Count | 18.2 million visitors in 2024 |
| Weather Impact | Carolina Forest wildfire; Tropical Storm Chantal |
| Rainfall Increase | 183% more rain from May through June |
| Occupancy Tax Collections | Fell by nearly 9% |
| Local Business Challenges | Restaurants reported losses over $10,000 per weekend |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Sees Shifting Tourism Trends
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Business Impact
- WBTW: Canadian Tourism Plummets
- Travel and Tour World: Myrtle Beach AI-Powered Itineraries
- 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.
