MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Dec. 17, 2024)—Visit Myrtle Beach is proud to announce its recognition as one of nine travel organizations and one of only two U.S.-based destination marketing organizations to receive a 2024 Travel Vanguard Award from Afar magazine, an international authority in inspiring and empowering conscientious travelers.
This prestigious award, established in 2016, honors organizations that are transforming the travel industry through innovative and impactful initiatives. Visit Myrtle Beach was specifically recognized for its efforts to make vacations more accessible and enjoyable for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
“This is the highest honor Afar can bestow on an organization,” said Greg Sullivan, co-founder of Afar. “We thank you for going above and beyond to not only focus on your business success, but also your impact on travelers, destinations and the world.”
In the Dec. 16 Afar article announcing the honorees, author Ellen Carpenter highlights Visit Myrtle Beach’s efforts, writing, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 36 children in the U.S. have autism — and based on a 2019 study by Autism Travel, about 87 percent of their families don’t take vacations. Visit Myrtle Beach (VMB), the tourism arm for the South Carolina coastal area, is making moves to change that.”
Among the attributes mentioned are the area’s certified autism-friendly municipalities, hospitality-related businesses, tourism board staff, first responders and beach lifeguards, all of whom are “fostering a community-wide commitment to inclusivity.”
In addition, the article touted Visit Myrtle Beach’s “The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge,” which is supported by over 160 area businesses and the recent premiere of the docuseries “Traveling the Spectrum” on Peacock. The series offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three families living with autism as they embark on one of their first travel experiences to the Myrtle Beach area.
Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Myrtle Beach, who was interviewed for the article, shared his appreciation for the Travel Vanguard Award to which he said it was made possible by the commitment from Myrtle Beach area service providers who have stepped up to make the destination a welcoming and accommodating destination for those with special needs.
“Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and surrounding communities have created a place that’s comfortable for people with autism, mobility issues and visual impairments – who don’t often travel – because we believe that travel is transformative and everyone deserves to experience our 60 miles of beaches plus so much more,” Butler said.
For more information about Visit Myrtle Beach's initiatives and the Afar Travel Vanguard award, please visit Afar.com. ###
Editor’s Note: Visual assets and further information are available to download HERE. Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach.
About Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach. It’s The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, explore VisitMyrtleBeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.