Both Champion Autism Network & TravelAbility recognize Butler for his leadership

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce Visit Myrtle Beach’s Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Butler has earned recognition from two organizations within the travel accessibility industry.

Champion Autism Network (CAN) presented Butler with their Champion Award during the organization’s annual fundraiser on Jan. 25, 2024, for his effort to expand the Myrtle Beach area as a destination that welcomes Autism families.

“Stuart’s efforts at Visit Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce are at the forefront of destinations across the world supporting families with Autism,” said CAN Founder and Executive Director Becky Large.  

CAN operates the Autism Travel Club program, which offers families tailored travel experiences to explore places while accommodating their unique needs. Likewise, CAN provides educational certifications for businesses and organizations, such as hotels and restaurants, to create Autism-friendly environments and services.

Moreover, Butler’s commitment to inclusivity in travel has been lauded by TravelAbility, naming him one of their “24 Accessibility Champions to Watch in 2024.” The recognition highlights professionals with “empathy and understanding of the diverse needs of travelers with disabilities.”

TravelAbility, known for its advocacy, education and technological innovations, annually hosts the TravelAbility Summit, uniting industry leaders and accessibility advocates to share pioneering accessible travel solutions.

Under Butler’s visionary leadership, Visit Myrtle Beach has launched several initiatives catering to travelers with special needs and their families, including The Beach is for everyBODY sensory-friendly pledge for hospitality businesses and the Autism-Friendly Vacation Guide.

Looking ahead, Visit Myrtle Beach is set to unveil further inclusive projects, including a children’s book and streaming TV show, both showcasing how persons with Autism can enjoy the Myrtle Beach area. 

“I’m deeply honored by the acknowledgements from CAN and TravelAbility,” Butler said. “Creating inclusive experiences is not just about removing barriers, but about fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance. This is a collective effort that takes more than just one individual, and I look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts throughout our community to further enrich the lives of those affected by neurodevelopmental disorders and other disabilities.”

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About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau:

Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand’s business community — serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded MBACC its five-star accreditation — one of only a few chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, MyrtleBeachAreaCVB.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

About Visit Myrtle Beach 
Visit Myrtle Beach is the destination marketing arm of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, which serves 14 communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island. Visit Myrtle Beach promotes tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the region, popularly known as the Grand Strand and the “Golf Capital of the World.” Along with world-class golf and over 90 golf courses, Myrtle Beach offers fresh coastal Carolina cuisine, vibrant entertainment and family attractions, shopping and more. For more information, go to VisitMyrtleBeach.com.