MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Visit Myrtle Beach proudly announces Sandy Haines, director of group tour sales, has earned the Certified Tour Professional (CTP) certification by the National Tour Association (NTA).

Haines was recognized for her achievement during this year’s NTA Travel Exchange, a gathering of travel industry leaders held Nov. 17-20, 2024, in Huntsville, Ala. Earning the CTP designation requires significant industry experience, completion of specialized coursework in areas like business management and tour operations, and passing assessments to demonstrate expertise.

“We’re very proud of Sandy’s achievement in earning the highest standard of professional certification in the tour and travel industry, signifying her dedication to further supporting the Grand Strand community by generating exceptional business for our region through group tours. The vast majority, 93 percent, of motorcoach tours visit us during our shoulder and off seasons, helping to sustain our economy and local jobs year-round,” said Bob Harris, executive vice president of sales, Visit Myrtle Beach.

Haines works directly with tour operators and event planners to ensure memorable and seamless experiences for group tours of the Myrtle Beach area. Haines has worked for Visit Myrtle Beach for the past 32 years and received the 2024 Spirit of TAP Award by the North American Tour Operators earlier this year. 

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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.