Myrtle Beach Tourism Visitor Numbers Latest Spark Debate
Myrtle Beach tourism visitor numbers latest shock locals
Myrtle Beach welcomed approximately 17.6 million visitors in 2025, marking a 3.3% decline from the 18.2 million recorded in 2024, according to the latest data from Visit Myrtle Beach and the Chamber of Commerce released in early 2026.
2025 Visitor Decline Overview
The tourist downturn in Myrtle Beach for 2025 caught many locals off guard, with hotel bookings dropping over 2% and short-term housing tax revenues falling more than 10% compared to the previous year. This shift reversed the upward trajectory seen in 2024, when visitor numbers hit 18.2 million and spending reached $13.2 billion. Officials attribute the decline to factors like persistent inflation, erratic weather patterns, and fewer international travelers, particularly from Canada, down about 30%.
Despite the dip, the area's resilience shines through, as combined hotel and short-term rental occupancy held steady around 70% during the peak summer months of June, July, and August 2025. Local leaders, including Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach, described the season as a "mixed bag," with some months showing gains while others lagged. This data underscores Myrtle Beach's ability to weather economic headwinds while maintaining its status as a top U.S. beach destination.
Historical Visitor Trends
Myrtle Beach has long been a tourism powerhouse, peaking at 20.6 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic slashed numbers to 12.78 million in 2020. Recovery was swift, with 17.22 million in 2021, 17.55 million in 2022, and 17.58 million in 2023, culminating in the 2024 high of 18.2 million.
- 2019: 20.6 million visitors (all-time peak, pre-pandemic).
- 2020: 12.78 million (sharp COVID-19 drop).
- 2021: 17.22 million (strong rebound).
- 2022: 17.55 million (steady growth).
- 2023: 17.58 million (near pre-pandemic levels).
- 2024: 18.2 million (record post-pandemic high).
- 2025: ~17.6 million (3.3% decline from 2024).
These figures, sourced from the DK Shifflet Visitor Volume & Spending Study and local CVB reports, highlight a pattern of volatility followed by stabilization. The 2025 slip shocks locals who had grown accustomed to booming crowds along the Grand Strand.
Key 2025 Performance Metrics
Summer 2025 hotel occupancy averaged 70.2%, down 2.1% from 2024, with June at 71.1% (down 4.8%), July at 76% (up 0.9%), and August at 64.4% (up 1.1%). Short-term rentals fared slightly better, averaging 70% adjusted paid occupancy, up 0.3% overall, though city tax collections plummeted over 10%.
| Month | 2025 Hotel (%) | 2024 Hotel (%) | Change | 2025 Short-Term (%) | 2024 Short-Term (%) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 71.1 | 75.9 | -4.8% | 69.9 | 70.5 | -0.6% |
| July | 76.0 | 75.1 | +0.9% | 77.1 | 77.0 | +0.1% |
| August | 64.4 | 63.3 | +1.1% | 62.8 | 61.5 | +1.3% |
| Average | 70.2 | 72.3 | -2.1% | 70.0 | 69.7 | +0.3% |
The table, derived from STR data and CVB reports, reveals nuanced shifts: hotels bore the brunt of the decline, while short-term rentals showed marginal improvement. Visitor spending is projected to dip to around $12.8 billion, down from $13.2 billion in 2024.
- Review preliminary data from hotel associations like STR by mid-September 2025.
- Compile short-term rental stats from platforms like AirBnB via local tax records by October.
- Integrate economic impact studies from DK Shifflet, released annually in Q1 2026.
- Cross-verify with Chamber of Commerce updates, often shared in February press events.
- Finalize official totals via Visit Myrtle Beach recap, typically May-June for prior year.
This five-step process ensures accurate, comprehensive reporting on tourism metrics, as followed by local outlets like WBTW News13.
Factors Driving the 2025 Dip
Inflation curbed family travel budgets, leading to fewer road trips to the Southeast coast, while a 30% drop in Canadian visitors-traditionally 10-15% of the total-exacerbated the shortfall. Hurricane remnants and above-average rainfall in July 2025 deterred peak-season crowds, mirroring national trends seen in Las Vegas (down 7.5%).
"We're seeing fewer families traveling due to inflation, combined with weather challenges and canceled Pelicans games impacting local draw," said a Chamber of Commerce spokesperson on February 3, 2026.
Projections for 2026 anticipate another 3% decline unless economic recovery accelerates, prompting calls for enhanced marketing to domestic markets. Despite this, two-thirds of 2024 visitors were repeats, signaling enduring appeal.
Economic Ripple Effects
Tourism employs over 80,000 in the Grand Strand, generating $16.6 billion in gross retail sales in 2024 alone. The 2025 dip translates to roughly $400 million less in direct spending, straining small businesses from boardwalk vendors to inland restaurants. City Council expressed alarm in late 2025, noting projections 3-4% below 2024 peaks.
- Job impacts: Potential 2,000-3,000 seasonal layoffs in hospitality.
- Revenue loss: Short-term housing taxes down 10%+; accommodations tax collections off 2%.
- Business resilience: 70% occupancy cushioned broader fallout, per STR analysis.
- Long-term outlook: Focus on off-peak events to stabilize year-round economy.
Local Reactions and Strategies
"This downturn shocks us after years of growth, but we're adapting," remarked Stuart Baker, local business owner, echoing sentiments from Myrtle Beach leaders. The CVB launched a 2026 campaign targeting midweek stays and eco-tourism to boost off-season numbers.
Broader Grand Strand Impact
The 14-community Grand Strand saw similar trends, with 2024's $13.2 billion spend fueling recovery, but 2025's slowdown hit North Myrtle Beach and Surfside hardest. Historical data shows tourism's enormous footprint: 80,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue. Efforts to diversify beyond summer peaks, via events like the Myrtle Beach Bike Week (drawing 75,000 in 2024), aim to mitigate risks.
| Year | Visitors (Millions) | Spending ($ Billions) | YoY Visitor Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20.6 | ~13.0 | - |
| 2020 | 12.8 | ~8.5 | -38% |
| 2021 | 17.2 | ~11.0 | +35% |
| 2022 | 17.6 | 12.0 | +2% |
| 2023 | 17.6 | 12.5 | 0% |
| 2024 | 18.2 | 13.2 | +4% |
| 2025 | 17.6 | 12.8 | -3% |
This table synthesizes trends from multiple sources, illustrating the post-pandemic boom and recent reversal. Locals remain optimistic, citing accessibility awards and year-round appeal as buffers against shocks.
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Key concerns and solutions for Myrtle Beach Tourism Visitor Numbers Latest
What caused the 2025 visitor decline?
Key drivers included inflation reducing travel affordability, a 30% drop in Canadian tourists, adverse summer weather, and canceled local events like Pelicans games.
How does 2025 compare to pre-pandemic peaks?
2025's 17.6 million visitors is about 15% below the 2019 record of 20.6 million but still 38% above the 2020 pandemic low.
When will full 2025 data be finalized?
Official totals from Visit Myrtle Beach are expected in their May 2026 recap, building on Chamber previews from February.
What is the outlook for 2026 tourism?
Chamber officials project another 3% dip to around 17.1 million visitors, barring economic upticks or improved weather.
Is Myrtle Beach still a top destination?
Yes, with resilient 70% summer occupancy and $12.8 billion in projected spending, it remains a leading U.S. beach spot.