MYRTLE BEACH AREA OCCUPANCY DATA SHOWS SUMMER 2021 VISITOR VOLUME NUMBER EXCEED PAST TWO YEARS!
Good news for those who rely on the tourism industry for their livelihoods. Summer 2021 was one of the busiest on record, according to initial findings.
Following the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) released its latest Lodging Metrics report showcasing occupancy rates and additional accommodation data for the week of Aug. 29 – Sept. 4, 2021.
According to KeyData, one of the sources used to compile the weekly report, paid occupancy rates for the Labor Day holiday weekend was near 77 percent, which was close to 20 percent higher than 2020 levels and 34 percent over 2019.
With these results, the organization now has a clearer indication of visitor volume to the Grand Strand during the peak, summer season from Memorial Day weekend through the Labor Day weekend.
A compilation of KeyData metrics showed paid occupancy levels—excluding rentals occupied by the owner—for June through August 2021 paced well above the past two summers:
• June: Average paid occupancy was 88 percent, a rate 30 percent over 2020 and 34 percent over 2019.
• July: Average paid occupancy was 92 percent, a rate 30 percent over 2020 and 28 percent over 2019.
• August: Average paid occupancy was 81 percent, a rate 32 percent over 2020 and 24 percent over 2019.
Data from STR, another source used for the Lodging Metrics report, showed similar results with this summer’s (June-August) average occupancy rates above that of summer 2020 rates, and above 2019 levels for June and July.
“While we are still compiling data from various sources, this initial look shows that this summer has undoubtedly been busy with overall summer occupancy rates averaging higher than the past two years,” said Stuart Butler, MBACC and CVB Chief Marketing Officer.
“The entire Grand Strand should be immensely proud of what we accomplished during this unprecedented time. Credit is especially due to those who work for our public services and in our hospitality industry—all of whom tirelessly served our communities and accommodated visitors,” said MBACC President and CEO Karen Riordan.
