National Travel and Tourism Week will be celebrated across the country on May 3–9, 2026, and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the importance of tourism to our local communities along with honoring our friends, neighbors and family members who work in the industry.
In the greater Myrtle Beach area, tourism isn’t a side story or a seasonal boost; it is the economic engine that keeps the region moving year-round. While many communities across the country benefit from visitor spending, the Myrtle Beach area operates on a different scale entirely, with tourism driving jobs, funding public services and shaping the quality of life for residents in ways that are both visible and often overlooked.
How Tourism Works For The Grand Strand
Start with the numbers, because they’re difficult to ignore. Tourism supports nearly half of all jobs in the Grand Strand and generates approximately $13.2 billion in annual economic impact. That’s not just hotel stays and restaurant tabs, that’s a ripple effect touching construction, healthcare, retail, transportation, and small businesses across the region. Strip tourism out of the equation, and the local economy doesn’t just slow down, it fundamentally changes.
But the real story, and the one worth telling during National Travel and Tourism Week, is how tourism directly benefits the people who live here. Visitor spending plays a critical role in funding essential services, from public safety and infrastructure to schools. It also helps offset the local tax burden, meaning residents pay significantly less in property taxes than they otherwise would. That’s a tangible, everyday impact that often goes unrecognized despite being central to the region’s financial stability.
Tourism also fuels opportunity. It creates pathways for career growth, supports entrepreneurs, and sustains thousands of local businesses that rely on a steady flow of visitors. From family-owned restaurants to major attractions, the success of these businesses is tied directly to the strength of the tourism industry. And behind every statistic are real people—hospitality workers, business owners, and community leaders whose livelihoods depend on a thriving visitor economy.
At the same time, tourism has helped shape the Grand Strand into a destination that continues to evolve. Investments driven by visitor demand have led to enhanced infrastructure, expanded attractions, and a growing reputation on the national stage. Whether it’s world-class golf, family-friendly entertainment, or a push toward more inclusive and accessible travel experiences, the region continues to adapt to meet the expectations of today’s travelers.
National Travel and Tourism Week is ultimately about recognition—but it should also be about awareness. In a place like Myrtle Beach, tourism isn’t optional. It’s foundational. It underpins the economy, supports the community, and creates a shared sense of place that benefits both visitors and residents alike.
So while the rest of the country takes a week to celebrate travel, the Grand Strand has a much bigger story to tell: this is what it looks like when tourism works—not just for visitors, but for an entire community.
