Myrtle Beach, SC, February 4, 2026
Myrtle Beach is experiencing a decline in tourism, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for local entrepreneurs. With hotel occupancy rates decreasing, officials project further tourism drops in the upcoming year. This situation underscores the need for innovative solutions from small businesses and community leaders to attract visitors and maintain economic stability. Enhanced collaboration and creativity are vital for sustaining the region’s economic health and responding to changing tourism patterns.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the current outlook for tourism in Myrtle Beach?
Anticipate a challenging period for tourism in Myrtle Beach, with a noticeable decline in 2025 and an additional approximately 3% decline projected for 2026.
How did Myrtle Beach tourism perform in 2025?
Myrtle Beach experienced an overall dip in tourism in 2025, with summer hotel occupancy rates decreasing by 2.1% compared to the previous year.
What factors contributed to the tourism slowdown in 2025?
Broader economic conditions and a significant decline in international visitors were identified as primary reasons for the slower tourism season in 2025.
What specific concerns are there for Myrtle Beach’s tourism in 2026?
Officials project another decline, with a significant concern being the potential negative impact of earlier school start dates across South Carolina.
How does Myrtle Beach plan to boost its tourism and local economy?
Foster resilience by encouraging local innovation, supporting small businesses, and leveraging community-driven initiatives to create unique experiences and enhance local attractions.
Myrtle Beach
Tourism Trends Signal Opportunity for Innovation in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, a jewel of the South Carolina coast, experienced a noticeable dip in tourism statistics throughout 2025, with projections indicating a further decline in 2026. This trend presents a unique challenge, yet also a powerful opportunity for South Carolina entrepreneurs and local leaders to foster innovative solutions and reinforce the resilience of the Myrtle Beach SC business community.
The spirit of free enterprise and the determination of local entrepreneurs have always been cornerstones of Myrtle Beach’s prosperity. As the region navigates evolving tourism patterns, a focus on ingenuity, community-driven initiatives, and a supportive environment for Myrtle Beach small business can pave the way for renewed economic growth and a vibrant future.
A Look at 2025 Tourism Data
The Myrtle Beach area saw an overall decline in tourism in 2025. Weekly metrics from Smith Travel Research (STR) indicated a noticeable dip in tourism numbers leading up to Independence Day 2025. The summer season concluded with hotel occupancy rates in the Myrtle Beach area showing a decrease in June, July, and August 2025. Specifically, June 2025 saw a 71.1% occupancy rate, July 2025 was at 78.4%, and August 2025 registered 66.7%. Overall, hotel occupancy in Myrtle Beach decreased by 2.1 percent compared to the previous summer.
Several factors contributed to this slowdown, including broader economic conditions and a significant decline in international visitors. Grand Strand tourism officials have acknowledged that multiple reasons led to the slower summer tourism season in 2025.
Projections for 2026 and the Impact of School Start Dates
Following the decline in 2025, officials are projecting another approximately 3% decline in tourism for 2026. A significant concern among local leaders is the potential impact of earlier school start dates across South Carolina. The president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has publicly addressed South Carolina education leaders, calling for consideration of how earlier school schedules could further affect tourism numbers. This highlights the interconnectedness of state-level policy decisions and their effects on local economies, particularly those reliant on seasonal visitation.
Key Features of Tourism Trends in Myrtle Beach
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism Decline 2025 | Myrtle Beach experienced a dip in overall tourism numbers. | Local |
| Hotel Occupancy (Summer 2025) | June: 71.1%, July: 78.4%, August: 66.7%. Overall 2.1% decrease. | Local |
| Projected Decline 2026 | Officials forecast another approximately 3% decline. | Local |
| Impact of School Starts | Earlier school start dates could further negatively affect tourism. | State-level |
| Contributing Factors | Broader economic conditions, decline in international visitors. | Local |
Fostering Resilience Through Local Innovation
The challenge of declining tourism underscores the vital role of local innovation and proactive engagement from the Myrtle Beach SC business community. This environment encourages entrepreneurial spirit, where businesses adapt and find new ways to attract visitors and serve residents. By focusing on unique experiences, enhancing local attractions, and leveraging the creativity of South Carolina entrepreneurs, the region can strengthen its appeal beyond traditional peak seasons. This approach often thrives in an environment where regulatory burdens are thoughtfully considered, allowing businesses the flexibility to innovate and grow.
Community Involvement and Economic Growth
Sustaining economic growth in Myrtle Beach requires a concerted effort from all sectors of the community. Local businesses, residents, and civic leaders can collaborate on initiatives that enhance the visitor experience, promote local culture, and support the diverse offerings of Myrtle Beach small business. Grassroots efforts and private investment play a crucial role in developing new attractions and amenities, ensuring that Myrtle Beach remains a desirable destination. This collective engagement not only addresses current challenges but also lays a strong foundation for future prosperity, demonstrating the power of community in driving economic health.
Looking Ahead: Supporting a Vibrant Local Economy
While the tourism statistics from 2025 and projections for 2026 present a clear challenge, they also highlight an opportunity for Myrtle Beach to reinforce its economic foundations through ingenuity and collaboration. The strength of the local economy lies in the hands of its entrepreneurs, the resilience of its small businesses, and the collective efforts of its community. By championing innovative business practices, supporting local enterprises, and advocating for policies that foster economic freedom, Myrtle Beach can navigate these trends and emerge stronger.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting Myrtle Beach SC business and engage in discussions about how our community can collectively ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for our beloved coastal city.
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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.
