I’m Karen Riordan, President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Myrtle Beach. COVID-19 has had quite a profound impact on the Grand Strand and our local businesses. While we’ve been compliant to do our part to flatten the curve and keep as many people as healthy as possible, we are keenly aware that nurturing our tourism economy is now more important than ever.
Join us in sharing the #SpiritOfTravel this week on social and use #NTTW20 #MyrtleBeachStrong.
As we approach National Travel and Tourism Week, May third through the ninth, we celebrate the dynamic industry that is the backbone of our region’s economy. Locally, tourism provides seven billion dollars in economic impact, and it is vitally important to our community and the people who live here.
Tourism builds community, and that is certainly true here in the Grand Strand. So, this week, we honor the spirit of travel in recognition of the industry’s strength, selflessness and resiliency.
Although we can’t get back to “normal” just yet, we can rally around the Spirit of Travel. When times are uncertain, the only certainty is that the spirit of travel will not be shattered. The spirit of travel is what brings joy and memorable experiences to millions, year over year. That is certainly true here in Myrtle Beach.
When the time is right, the travel and tourism industry will be integral to both our region’s and our nation’s recovery—for the economy and American jobs. And it’s the spirit of travel that will heal our country’s morale.
We have weathered many storms here in the past, and we have always come out the other side stronger and wiser than before. I have no doubt that the Grand Strand will come back better than ever and continue to provide amazing experiences for millions of guests who come here to enjoy our southern hospitality and our 60 miles of clean, wide open beaches.
As we work toward recovery, we will do so with care, concern, hard work and strength; and we will do so with optimism and hope.
I’m Karen Riordan--I am tourism strong. The Grand Strand is 14 communities, 60 miles strong…and in this together. We are The Beach.
Thanks for joining me as we celebrate The Spirit of Travel.