North Myrtle leaders say they expect tourism increase without tax increase

North Myrtle leaders say they expect tourism increase without... (Added: June 03, 2009)

City gives chamber money to invest in a marketing blitz, and thanks to that and other programs, the outlook appears bright for this busy summer season. (more)

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North Myrtle leaders say they expect tourism increase without tax increase

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber Of Commerce anticpate a huge increase in tourism business this summer season, all without a tax increase like the one voted in for Myrtle Beach residents to pay for tourism marketing.

By: Rusty Ray | SCNOW
Published: June 03, 2009

Rosa Brigman opened her gift shop, Emmi Lu's, on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach three years ago.
The transplant from Greenville says last year, even in the downturned economy, business was good, and she expects the same this year.
"We're just waiting," said Brigman. "We're going to see when school's out if families come in, that's always a big help when they get here," she said.
City leaders hope an initial investment of $250,000 (in a Chamber of Commerce marketing blitz) will yield positive results, in addition to a chamber-funded bus trip that targeted face-to-face interactions with potential tourists in several large cities across both Carolinas.)
"Being a drive-to market, that's important," said Councilman Bob Cavanaugh.
According to the chamber, the city could see an economic boost to the tune of $65 million this summer, and already the chamber is seeing a 109% increase in visits to its website this year.
What's more important, said Cavanaugh, is that council was able to give tourism a boost without voting to increase taxes, like Myrtle Beach City Council did last week. That, coupled with the loss of biker rally business thanks to new city ordinances in Myrtle Beach, have business owners there clamoring for changes at city hall.
"They (Myrtle Beach City Council) let it get out of hand," said Cavanaugh. "We have built up a set of laws, and implemented them carefully, and over a period of time. People behave better when they're in (North Myrtle Beach,)" he said.
Still, no new taxes and a promise of more tourist business is good news for store owners like Brigman.
"Most of us are glad they didn't raise the taxes," she said.