There's a new airline coming to Myrtle Beach. This time it’s a direct flight from Toronto to Myrtle Beach. Porter Airlines will fly low-cost, non-stop flights from February 28 through May 30, 2010.
The addition of an airline is another step towards bringing more tourists to the Grand Strand. Porter Airlines flights are the first international service flights to the area in several years. The Myrtle Beach Area of Chamber of Commerce said, last year South Carolina saw nearly a million Canadian visitors, which is more than 85 percent of the Grand Strand international tourist base.
"What we think this direct, affordable service will provide is an opportunity for many others who have not been here,” said Brant Branham, Board Chairman, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “First time visitors now don't have to worry about multi-hour drives or multi-day drives can fly direct. And we know once they get here, they'll like it and they'll come back."
Thursday's announcement also means potential growth for the local golf industry. "It's huge,” said Bill Golden, President, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “There's so much demand for Myrtle Beach golf and specifically in the Toronto market. It's a great metropolitan market, high percentage of golfers. We're so well-branded there now. The issue is we just don't have enough convenient, cost-effective air service."
Porter Airline flights will start a few weeks before the traditional Canadian-American Days Festival. Branham said this is a first-step and door opener of what the future holds.
Flight time between Toronto and Myrtle Beach is about two hours and twenty minutes. The airlines will offer one-way fares starting at $179, plus taxes. It will also offer packages which include lodging.
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