The Power of Travel: Myrtle Beach's Resilient Recovery Story
2020 stands out as an unprecedented year. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, closing hotels for nearly two months, canceling events, and limiting attractions throughout the year. Tourism fuels the Myrtle Beach area's economy, delivering $7 billion in impact across our 14 communities.
This year, we're celebrating the strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry during the 38th National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 2-8, 2021. It highlights our sector's vital role in revitalizing communities, boosting the economy, rebuilding the workforce, and reconnecting America. The power of travel is driving Myrtle Beach's swift recovery.
Pre-pandemic, tourism was a powerhouse: 107 consecutive months of growth, $2.6 trillion in economic output, 17 million jobs supported, and a $51 billion trade surplus. The crisis reversed these gains, but resilience defines us.
In Myrtle Beach, 2020 brought challenges yet showed strength. Gross retail sales reached $11.4 billion—down just 7% from 2019. Lodging generated $842 million, and restaurants $1.29 billion in gross sales. Visit Myrtle Beach introduced 23 million new travelers to our partners, who maintained exceptional service. See our 2020 Annual Report for details.
In the Grand Strand, our 14 communities united to support local businesses and the travel sector. We're thankful for the Myrtle Beach community's role in reigniting tourism. Watch this US Travel video featuring Julie Ellis from Visit Myrtle Beach, proclaiming the power of travel.
As we reopen, visit responsibly: maintain social distancing and enjoy our clean, 60-mile beaches safely. Ample space awaits for adventures, relaxation, and family connections. Check our Healthy Travel page for updates.
Local residents and visitors make Myrtle Beach special. From Visit Myrtle Beach, we're thrilled to showcase our industry's power and the Grand Strand's spirit this NTTW.
