During this year’s Global Meetings Industry Day (April 3) the Greater Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce announced the Myrtle Beach, South area realized a more than $200 million economic impact from group business, with about 30% of that derived from conventions.
The past year was indeed a banner one for the celebrated beach destination—and 2025 is shaping up to be even better. Here are some reasons why.
Myrtle Beach Convention Center Has No Open Weekends This Year
In the past, South Carolina’s Largest Garage Sale would move into any open spot in Myrtle Beach Convention Center’s calendar. With no open spots, the city-hosted event has been cancelled in 2025, the city announced in March.
High occupancy typically triggers expansion feasibility studies. At present, however, plans for upgrading the center remain on hold, while the adjacent Sheraton Myrtle Beach receives modernization and other renovations that are expected to extend over the next two years.
[Related: Why Meeting Planners Love Coastal Carolinas Destinations]
More Connections at an Expanding Myrtle Beach Airport
More than 3.8 million passengers traveled through Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in 2024, a 14% increase in passenger growth from 2023.
"This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our airline partners and the enduring appeal of Myrtle Beach as a world-class destination and a great place to call home," said Judi Olmstead, director of airports for Horry County, in a news release.
Last year, the airport completed a $27.6 million renovation of its rental car facilities and began a $90 million project (Terminal A) last June to add six boarding gates and 50,000 square feet. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Three airlines—Breeze, Allegiant and Avelo—have added new routes.
In June, Utah-based Breeze Airways added nonstops between MYR and Akron-Canton, Ohio; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Westchester County, New York. In May, the airline announced service to New Orleans and Rochester, New York, beginning in September and October, respectively.
Last November, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air announced three new nonstop routes into Myrtle Beach from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Plattsburgh and Niagara/Buffalo, New York. The flights began in May.
Beginning in April, Houston-based Avelo now offers nonstop flights to/from New England’s Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
[Related: 4 Benefits of Hosting Your Next Meeting at a Beachfront Destination]
PGA Golf Returns to the Golf Capital of the World
The second annual ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, the dual-field PGA TOUR event hosting 132 players, played May 8-11 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
This year, celebrities included ONEFlight ambassadors Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell, with an appearance by Bill Murray. PGA TOUR pros Tom Kim, Joel Dahmen and Brandt Snedeker were on hand to challenge last year’s winner, Chris Gotterup. (On Sunday, May 11, New Zealander Ryan Fox came from behind to win the championship.)
Expectations were high for this year’s Classic, after last year’s inaugural, the first PGA TOUR event in the Grand Strand’s history (as well as the first professional tournament in 24 years) generated a total economic impact of $15.4 million for the area. Again, thousands of local volunteers are involved in the event’s success.
“The event has exceeded our expectations in every possible way,” said Darren Nelson, tournament director, of the 2024 event. “Knowing that $15.4 million was put back into the Grand Strand economy is incredibly rewarding. It not only supports local business—both big and small—but generates additional tax income that ultimately improves the destination and enhances the quality of life for residents.”
“The ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic is meaningful to our area because it showcases the warmth of our community, our passion for golf and the pride we all feel for this place we call home,” said Stuart Butler, CMO, Visit Myrtle Beach. “As the Golf Capital of the World, events like this not only support our local businesses and elevate our national profile, but they also contribute to a stronger local economy and a better quality of life for the people who live and work here.”
New Venues Strengthen Group Business Potential
"Every year, Myrtle Beach continues to evolve, offering new and exciting ways for visitors to experience the magic of a vacation at The Beach," Butler noted. "There's always something fresh to discover.”
Some major updates coming to the area include:
- On February 6, the City of Conway opened its Riverwalk Extension. This is Phase IV of the Conway Riverwalk project, where the previous phases were completed in 1993, 2001 and 2009. This expansion enhances the riverfront area and strengthens the connection between Conway’s Riverfront and Downtown districts.
- Myrtle Beach-based Brittain Resorts & Hotels has spent $58 million to refresh three properties: the Caribbean Resort & Villas ($20 million), the Ocean Reef Resort ($15 million) and the Compass Cove Resort, where $38 million touched every building, including lobby and shared spaces.
- The 241-room voco The Shelby - Myrtle Beach, formerly Sand Castle Oceanfront, was expected to start accepting reservations by the end of last month (May). The property has two meeting spaces: the 1,350-square-foot Beachcomber and the 3,035-square-foot Ocean Courtyard.
- The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex expects to complete Phase II of its expansion (playing fields, fresh ponds) this spring, with Phase III expected to be completed in September. Facilities are available for meeting groups wanting a team day or picnic.
- To be completed by the end of 2025, the $17 million Purdy Welcome Center and Conservatory at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet will serve as a welcome center and event space protected from the weather. They will enhance visitor experiences with educational programs. (You must be a member of Brookgreen Gardens to book the facility.)
- Set to open later this year at Myrtle Beach Mall, TV chef Guy Fieri’s “Downtown Flavortown” concept is a restaurant and family entertainment center, comprising an extensive food menu, craft cocktails, a Tiki bar, bowling and an array of gaming options.
- Opening in 2026, the PicklePort is expected to be Myrtle Beach's premier pickleball facility, offering 12 climate-controlled indoor courts and six covered outdoor courts. The six-acre facility will also feature a guest reception area, snack bar, pro shop, instruction and practice areas, and social gathering/court viewing spaces.
- Construction is underway for the 2026 opening of the joint Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co. at Broadway at the Beach. The venue will feature a beer garden, full-service distillery, tasting rooms, guided tours, food and beverage offerings and event spaces to host concerts, festivals and private events.
