Tourism Works for the Grand Strand was proud to sponsor the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff debate at Coastal Carolina University on June 16, helping bring statewide attention to the Grand Strand and the issues that matter to our residents, businesses and tourism economy.
Held Tuesday evening at CCU’s Wheelwright Auditorium, the debate gave South Carolinians an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking their party’s nomination for governor. It also placed the Myrtle Beach area at the center of an important statewide conversation about South Carolina’s future.
For the Grand Strand area, that conversation must include tourism.
Tourism supports local jobs, strengthens small businesses, generates public revenue, and helps fund the services and investments that improve quality of life for residents across our 14 coastal communities. When state leaders discuss infrastructure, workforce, public safety, taxes, education and economic development, tourism is connected to each of those priorities.
By sponsoring this debate, Tourism Works for the Grand Strand helped ensure that the importance of our region’s visitor economy remained visible to candidates, policymakers and viewers across South Carolina. The debate was broadcast live statewide, giving the Grand Strand a valuable platform to showcase its role as one of South Carolina’s strongest economic engines.
Coastal Carolina University also deserves recognition for hosting the event and continuing to serve as a hub for civic engagement. Bringing statewide leaders, media and residents together on the Grand Strand reinforces the region’s growing influence and provides meaningful opportunities for thoughtful discussion on issues that affect our communities.
Tourism works because it does more than bring visitors to the beach. It supports families. It sustains businesses. It funds public services. It strengthens the tax base. And it helps build a better Grand Strand for residents and visitors alike.
As South Carolina looks ahead, Tourism Works for the Grand Strand will continue advocating for policies that protect and strengthen the tourism economy while enhancing the quality of life for those who call the Myrtle Beach area home.
