Why Travel Matters: The Economic and Community Impact of Tourism in Myrtle Beach, SC

While locals in Myrtle Beach drive past our stunning beaches and attractions daily, few pause to consider their vital role in supporting our community and state. Our 60-mile coastline and diverse entertainment options not only define our identity but also sustain families through jobs and create lasting memories for over 19 million annual visitors.

Tourism profoundly enhances Myrtle Beach, with far-reaching benefits for residents. It supports 83,000 jobs across the Grand Strand and fosters stronger families, hometown pride, and meaningful connections. Studies show travelers report greater satisfaction in their jobs, relationships, and overall well-being compared to non-travelers.

Travel Matters to America! Nationally, the travel industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, creating and sustaining 15.7 million jobs—the seventh-largest private-sector employer. In 2018, traveler spending generated $171 billion in tax revenue, including $78.6 billion for state and local governments, funding essential services like police, firefighters, and schools.

Tourism powers cities and states alike, and Myrtle Beach exemplifies this. Coastal Carolina University reports that local tourism delivers more than $7 billion in annual economic impact, plus $2.2 billion in labor income, benefiting Horry County and all of South Carolina.

Consider the resorts, restaurants, theaters, and attractions where tourism creates livelihoods: the leisure and hospitality sector is America's largest small-business employer.

These factors underscore why Myrtle Beach continues to welcome visitors and why our industry champions the “;Travel Matters”; message during National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 5-11, 2019.

Join us in celebrating NTTW with these actions:

• Contact your member of Congress to highlight travel's importance to Myrtle Beach.
• Share your story using #nttw19 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

NTTW 2019 is more than a campaign—it's a movement affirming travel's role in driving the U.S. economy and enriching daily life in Myrtle Beach. For details on tourism's impact on the Grand Strand, visit www.TourismWorksForUs.com.