Myrtle Beach’s Summer Tourism Shows Promising Hotel Occupancy Amid Decline in Restaurant Visits

Myrtle Beach’s Summer Tourism: A Mixed Bag in 2024

Myrtle Beach is buzzing with activity this summer, although not all trends are shining bright. According to recent insights from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, hotels in our area saw a 2% increase in occupancy compared to last summer. That’s great news for hotel owners! However, not everything is going according to plan as the number of visitors opting to dine out at local restaurants has taken a bit of a hit this year.

The Eating Habits Shuffle

Tracy Conner, the Interim President & CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, shared some interesting data. It appears that tourists are choosing to eat out less frequently than before. Thanks to information gathered from Visa, it’s clear that there was a slight decline in credit card swipes at our favorite eateries around town. In contrast, swipes at grocery stores have seen an uptick.

“Our visitors are coming—they’re electing to eat in a little bit more than they did in 2023,” Conner said. This shift in dining habits isn’t just a statistic; it’s something that local restaurant staff are experiencing directly. For instance, over at the Beach House Bar & Grill, Assistant Manager Zak Stanton has noticed fewer lunch customers lately. “During the day, they all kind of try to save and maybe spend money once for dinner or late-night,” he remarked. “It seems like a lot of people are staying in or packing lunches instead of going out.”

Shorter Stays and Changing Trends

7% drop in occupancy rates compared to last year, something that mirrors what’s happening on a national scale. Ray Booth, General Manager of Oceans One Resort, shared that guests are also opting for shorter vacations this year. “People would come down for three- or four-day stays instead of staying five and six days. And if we weren’t full, you had to cut your rates to get full,” he explained.

Encouraging More Fun

The chamber isn’t just standing still while all this happens. They are actively working to shift their advertising strategy. The aim? To get visitors out and about, taking advantage of all the unique attractions that make Myrtle Beach special. “It’s kind of a two-pronged approach,” Conner said, emphasizing the need to keep visitors engaged while also encouraging longer stays. “We’re trying to highlight those businesses and all the great activities along the Grand Strand for our visitors to experience.”

Looking Ahead to Fall

As we transition into the fall tourism season, the Chamber of Commerce is keeping a hopeful outlook. There are no official numbers yet for this upcoming season, but the early predictions suggest that visitor numbers will be on par with what we saw in 2023. So, while we may be experiencing some snags in our dining habits and vacation lengths, Myrtle Beach continues to hold its allure for those seeking sun, surf, and relaxation.

All in all, Myrtle Beach might be seeing a few adjustments this summer, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. As we soak in the last bits of summer, let’s celebrate the vibrant community that thrives here!