MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, a new report released today from Coastal Carolina University revealed the positive and enormous impact of tourism on the popular Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. In addition to remaining the No. 1 industry in both Horry and Georgetown counties, the independent research also found that tourism generates $7 billion annually for the local market and supports more than 83,000 jobs, an impressive 80 percent of which are maintained year-round.
In 2014, more than 17 million people visited the Myrtle Beach area, representing 37 percent of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism’s statewide economic impact of $19 billion. The report also found that tourism generated $2.2 billion in annual income for employees and businesses, as well as $485 million in state and local taxes.
“National Travel and Tourism Week was created to celebrate what travel brings to our lives. This means not just the power of travel to educate, rejuvenate and inspire, but also its positive impact on job creation and economic development,” said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “Locally, tourism is a huge story for us and these findings confirm that. What I am most proud of, though, is that I am able to call Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, home. When more than 17 million people choose your hometown as their vacation destination each year, how can you not boast?”
Tourism also generates valuable tax revenue for local schools, hospitals and housing; provides infrastructure for roads and bridges; and funds sports and performing arts facilities. Tourism also helps preserve the area’s rich Southern culture and history, and protect the area’s natural resources.
For more information on tourism’s impact on the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.TourismWorksForUs.com.
