Myrtle Beach Introduces New Autism Friendly Initiatives and a Children’s Book
Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation spot located on the coastline of South Carolina, continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a sensory-friendly destination for visitors with autism. As part of this effort, they’ve released a unique children’s book titled, “Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation.” The initiatives have been hailed as revolutionary in the hospitality industry and will enhance the travel experience for families with autistic children.
Inclusion through Literature
The book was put together in collaboration with the distinguished author and illustrator, Lynda Farrington Wilson, who has personal experience traveling to Myrtle Beach with her son who has autism. This book is not your typical travel guide – it’s a labor of love designed to inspire families with children on the autism spectrum to explore the joys of traveling together. It showcases how Myrtle Beach is an inclusive holiday destination, combining a story that children will love with information on various sensory-friendly spots and activities in the area.
In the coming weeks, a selection of retailers and events connected to the book will be announced, making it an interactive venture that families can take advantage of when planning their visit.
Travelling the Spectrum
In addition to the book, Visit Myrtle Beach offers a sneak peek into their latest project with the release of a trailer for their novel TV series, “Traveling the Spectrum”. The show is part of their broader strategy to promote inclusivity and awareness about autism while providing travellers with valuable insights into planning a sensory-friendly vacation.
Sensitivity and Support for Autism
Since 2016, communities along the Grand Strand have been dedicated to creating an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to visitors on the autism spectrum. Their goal, to assimilate the interests and needs of autistic guests in their offerings and provide accessible trip-planning resources, is what led to the development of this comprehensive initiative.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just stopping at a children’s book and a TV series –far from it. The area is working on creating more autism-friendly offerings, including restaurants, accommodations and visitor attractions, which will be safe and enjoyable environments for everyone. The objective is to eliminate any fear or hesitation families with autistic members might have about vacationing, providing them with an inclusive travel plan and broadening the horizons of the hospitality industry.
Myrtle Beach is setting a new standard for inclusive tourism, pushing beyond accessibility to create meaningful experiences for all its visitors. Its commitment to maximizing vacation enjoyment for traveler demographics frequently overlooked demonstrates its leadership in the hospitality industry, marking Myrtle Beach as a trailblazer for inclusive vacations.
In this initiative, Myrtle Beach is not just promoting sensitivity and providing support for people with autism; it’s also paving the way for other cities globally to adopt these practises.
