MYRTLE BEACH – Myrtle Beach saw an increase in foot traffic this summer compared to last year, and that has many hotel and restaurant owners hoping the good fortune continues through the slower winter months.
According to Coastal Carolina University, the Grand Strand had about 10% more people staying in hotels during the week of Aug. 22-28 than that time last year. That was a sampling of about 10,000 properties.
The numbers are even more encouraging for the week of Sept. 4-10, which includes Labor Day weekend. CCU research states vacation rental properties in Horry County are expected to be filled to about 75% occupancy, up about 14% from this time last year.
These percentages translate into booming business for those who depend on the summer tourists to carry them through the slower months.
Marvin’s Food and Spirits has been in Myrtle Beach for 37 years, so its workers know a good season when they see it. Owner Marvin McHone said business is up 30% from last summer. He expects business to go down during the winter, but still expects to reel in about 30% more business than last winter. He credits the new boardwalk with more people visiting the restaurant.
Many people who visit the boardwalk need a place to stay, and that is what keeps occupancy rates high at Myrtle Beach Resort Vacations. The company, which handles condominium rentals, has seen nearly 100% occupancy all summer. That is up 10-20% from June, July, and August of 2009.
Some hotel and condo owners said there are more people along the Grand Strand this summer because of additional flights to and from Myrtle Beach International Airport, as well as having people who typically vacation along the Gulf Shore change their plans due to the oil spill.
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