U.S. Census Bureau information indicates that for the third year in a row, the Grand Strand was the second-fastest growing metropolitan area in the entire country. Yearlong residents and visitors alike have no-doubt experienced some of those growing pains, but it hasn’t deterred people from coming to our destination for their vacation, or from calling the Grand Strand home. In fact, 45 people move to the Myrtle Beach area every day, according to the same Census Bureau information. In 2017, the Myrtle Beach area had 19.6 million visitors – up from a little over 18 million in 2016.

The 60 miles of pristine beaches and white sand that make up the Grand Strand are our most important and treasured resource. As such, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and our local elected delegation, understand the importance of protecting and preserving our number one attraction. These beaches support our local economy and bring millions of tourists to the Grand Strand year-after-year. Our beaches also serve as a barrier to protect over $3.5 billion worth of oceanfront property and provide a habitat to sea turtles, shore birds and marine wildlife.