The success of the Myrtle Beach area as a premier beach destination is inspiring and it’s our partners who help make this success a reality each day. The Myrtle Beach area’s tourism industry continues to grow and sets new records each year. The numbers tell the story – in 2018, 20.4 million people visited the destination and generated $10.8 billion in expenditures, up 4% and 7% year over year respectively. While we won’t have 2019 numbers until spring 2020, our tax collections indicate strong year over year growth, including a 10% increase for TDF through October.

Together, we’ve grown this amazing destination not only for our visitors, but for our residents, and have greatly contributed to our overall quality of life. The tourism industry employs more than 57,000 residents and supports world-class attractions and events that both visitors and locals enjoy, such as the Carolina Country Music Festival. The local taxes collected by visitors – almost $47.6 million through October 2019 – not only support destination marketing, but help pay for schools, police and fire personnel and infrastructure. Our tourism industry is ensuring a bright future for both visitors and locals alike.

As you review this report and reflect on a stellar year of performance for our industry, please know that we’re not done. We’ll continue to enhance our approach, refine our brand message and reach even higher. And together we’ll continue to excel with your continued engagement, collaboration and unwavering belief in the Myrtle Beach area. Together, we are making a major difference for our community on the national, state and local levels. Together, we’re making this world-class destination a great place to live, work and play.

Check out the 2019 Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitor Bureau Annual Report. Inside, you’ll find highlights of key tourism metrics from the past year, visitor insights, group sales performance, fast facts, and some awards and accolades.

Thank you for all you do to support the marketing of the Myrtle Beach destination.