[Columbus, Ohio] (Aug. 16, 2024) — Visit Myrtle Beach has won the 2024 Brand USA Outstanding Video Storytelling Award (City) for its production of “Chef Swap at the Beach,” recognizing its innovative use of video to bring the destination to life.

“Chef Swap at the Beach” is a thrilling culinary competition that nationally showcases the Myrtle Beach area on the Cooking Channel, where two local chefs go head-to-head to prepare the perfect dish in just 60 minutes — with the added twist that they must swap kitchens. Navigating new environments with the clock ticking, the chefs face unique challenges that test their skills and adaptability. The show features a compelling, entertaining format and an engaging host who embodies Southern hospitality.

Staci Mellman, Chief Marketing Officer of Brand USA, said, “We are delighted to honor Visit Myrtle Beach for their exceptional storytelling in ‘Chef Swap at the Beach.’ This video highlights the culinary talent and creativity in Myrtle Beach and brings an element of excitement and fun that captures the spirit of the destination. It’s a fantastic example of how video storytelling can engage audiences and inspire them to explore new places.”

The award was presented during a ceremony held at U.S. Travels’ ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 11-13, 2024.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Brand USA Outstanding Video Storytelling Award for ‘Chef Swap at the Beach,’ as it recognizes the ongoing success of this series. Through this exciting show, we aim to capture the heart and soul of our community, inviting viewers to see the Myrtle Beach area as a place where creativity thrives and every meal tells a story,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Office, Visit Myrtle Beach.

The first two seasons of “Chef Swap at the Beach” are available to stream on Brand USA’s GoUSA TV app as well as online at ChefSwapatTheBeach.com. The third season will premiere on Aug. 17 on the Cooking Channel.

To learn more about the contest and this year’s winners, visit 2024 Brand USA Storytelling Awards.

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Editor’s Note: A behind-the-scenes image of Chef Swap at The Beach season one can be found HERE. Caption: (Pictured L-R) Chef Heidi Vukov of Hook & Barrel restaurant and Chef Mike Chestnut of Bike Mike’s Soul Food stand in front of the “Chef Swap at The Beach” podium during the episode’s closing ceremony.

Media Contact:

Marlane White, Visit Myrtle Beach
Director of Communications
marlane.white@visitmyrtlebeach.com
843-916-7295

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, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

About Brand USA
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation’s first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. travel policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organization’s mission is to increase international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past 11 years Brand USA's marketing initiatives have helped welcome nearly 9 million incremental visitors to the United States, benefiting the U.S. economy with more than $63 billion in total economic impact and supporting, on average, nearly 37,000 incremental jobs a year.

For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter. To discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture, please visit Brand USA's consumer website VisitTheUSA.com; follow Visit The USA on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram; and watch travel shows on GoUSATV.