2014 Annual Marketing Report - MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com

M Y R T L E
B E A C H
A R E A
C H A M B E R
O F
C O M M E R C E
2014 Annual Marketing Report
TO U R I S M
H I S TO R Y
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 1
Executive Message
We had an exceptional year in 2014, and believe this year’s annual marketing report will serve as a great blueprint
reflecting how we got there. As we all know, the Myrtle Beach area thrives because of a vibrant economy centered
on our 16.1 million annual visitors and $8 billion tourism industry. True, it is our world-class attractions and
beautiful beaches that bring tourists here for the first time. However, it is the friendly faces and warm, southern
hospitality they experience from our year-round residents that keep them coming back.
As a compliment to our destination promotion efforts, we thank our visitors for helping us spread our message and
their experiences via social channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. The more than 1.5 million fans
who have “liked” our official Visit Myrtle Beach Facebook page are always happy to share a family photo or video,
or a special memory from their time along our shores.
Still, at the end of the day, all of us in the Myrtle Beach area are our own best marketing tool. As we roll out the
welcome mat for 2015 visitors, we must remember to be ambassadors of our beach destination. That means taking
time to greet our guests, share some local knowledge and recommendations with them, and let them know we
appreciate their visit to our community.
Thank you for all you do to make marketing this wonderful destination such important and rewarding work.
Sincerely,
Brad Dean
President and CEO, MBACC/CVB
Connect with us
www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com
Facebook @VisitMyrtleBeachSC
M Y R T L E
1932
Twitter @MyMyrtleBeach
Google+ @VisitMyrtleBeach
B E AC H
Brookgreen Gardens opens.
2 - 2014 Annual Marketing Report
A R E A
Instagram @MyMyrtleBeach
Pinterest @MyMyrtleBeach
T I M E L I N E
Tumblr @MyMyrtleBeach
YouTube @VisitMyrtleBeach
1938
1944
Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce first chartered.
The Bowery opens.
Importance of Tourism
Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, employing millions worldwide.
The United States Travel Association estimates domestic and international leisure
and business travelers generated $2.1 trillion in economic impact in 2013, with
$888 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers. This created an
additional $1.2 trillion in other industries and more than 14.9 million jobs.
Tourism, the largest industry in South Carolina, has long been a major driver of
quality of life and opportunity. A study prepared for the South Carolina Parks,
Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT) agency by the United States Travel Association
revealed that domestic travel accounted for a direct economic impact of $11.5 billion
in 2013 and created 114,000 jobs.
How does tourism benefit
the Grand Strand?
TRAVEL
Direct spending by resident and
international travelers in the U.S.
averaged
:
$2.4 billion a day
$101.4 million an hour
$1.7 million a minute
$28,154 a second
Tourism delivers a $6.3 billion direct economic impact, with the indirect economic
impact adding another $1.8 billion and 73,500 jobs throughout our local community.
That economic impact – totaling over $8 billion – is greater than the entire national
gross product of numerous nations.
Tourism impacts the community in other ways. It accounts for more than half of the
jobs along the Grand Strand. Those employees use their wages to purchase goods
and services, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, healthcare and entertainment. The money invested into our local economy by tourists circulates throughout our economy several times over, providing an on-going economic impact that
would disappear entirely without tourism.
Tourists also pay taxes. Transaction taxes collected from tourists include sales tax,
hospitality fees, fuel tax, accommodations tax and education tax.
1945
1946
A local newspaper columnist
dubs the area “The Grand Strand.”
The iconic Gay Dolphin souvenir shop opens.
Travel Creates Jobs
1 in every
9 American Jobs
are supported by travel
TO U R I S M
H I S TO R Y
1948
The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opens.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 3
2014 Tourism Indicators
Occupancy Percent
26.6
39.1
53.5
61.5
59.9
77.6
84.5
76.5
57.8
50.7
38.6
31.2
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Average Room Rate
$60.10
$69.31
$84.51
$105.99
$121.21
$154.14
$181.74
$153.59
$97.30
$86.49
$71.88
$67.32
RevPAR
$16.00
$27.08
$45.26
$65.14
$72.58
$119.68
$153.65
$117.55
$56.24
$43.82
$27.73
$21.00
Source: Smith Travel Research
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
1951
The first Can-Am Days and
Sun Fun festival is held.
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A R E A
T I M E L I N E
1953
1954
Springmaid Beach Resort opens to the public.
Sports Illustrated held its first major sales conference
at Myrtle Beach’s Pine Lakes Country Club
2014 Big Projects – Foundation for
Growth in Tourism & Sports Marketing
Air Service Development & Activation
Affordable transportation into the Myrtle Beach area is crucial to building our tourism economy.
New air service highlights for 2014 include:
1. In May 2014, Allegiant Airlines launched new non-stop seasonal air service from Syracuse, NY;
Columbus, OH; Cincinnati, OH; and, Lexington, KY to Myrtle Beach.
2. On September 24, 2014, Spirit Airlines announced new non-stop air service between Cleveland,
OH and Myrtle Beach beginning April 16, 2015.
Big South Title Sponsorship
2014 VisitMyrtleBeach.com
Big South Conference Basketball Championships
March 4-9
The 2014 year began with the successful launch of an annual promotional campaign for
the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships. This was the second year
of a four-year contract.
Dan+Shay
BigSouth2014_CV1_CV2.indd 1
2/4/14 4:08 PM
Country music duo Dan+Shay came to the Myrtle Beach area to film the music video for their debut single,
“19 You+Me.” It premiered on CMT in late January 2014. The duo returned to Myrtle Beach for a concert on
April 15, 2014 at the site of the former Pavilion Park between Eighth and Ninth avenues north.
Myrtle Beach Sports Center
In February 2014, construction started on the new 100,000-squarefoot indoor sports facility that will help expand and bring more sports
tourism to the Myrtle Beach area. The $12.4 million facility will open in
March 2015 adjacent to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and will
include eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a café and retail
area, and large multi-screen video wall.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300
Myrtle Beach was the 2014 title sponsor for Kentucky Speedway’s
NASCAR Nationwide VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 on September 20, 2014.
The partnership was designed to expose the Visit Myrtle Beach experience to race fans throughout
Kentucky, Ohio, and the surrounding region at multiple racing and media events throughout the year.
1955
Atalaya becomes a public home following
Archer Huntington’s death.
1957
Myrtle Beach is first incorporated as a city.
TO U R I S M
H I S TO R Y
1962
The Dunes Club hosts the U.S. Golf Association Women’s
Championship, which led to the expansion of golf courses.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 5
2014 Advertising Target,
Size, Scope, & Reach
2014 Marketing Allocations
2014 Media Mix
Toronto
Myrtle Beach Area 2013 Overnight Visitor Demographics
Age
51
Household Income
$68,600
Some College or Higher
71%
Married/Partnered
79%
Traveling with Children
34%
Length of Stay (nights)
5
Source: Economic Impact Study; Equation Research
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
1966
Grand Strand Amusement Park, now Family
Kingdom Amusement Park, opens.
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A R E A
T I M E L I N E
1971
Ocean Lakes Family Campground opens with 30
campsites and one bathhouse.
1973
Country super group ALABAMA
began playing at The Bowery.
2014 Broadcast
•
•
•
•
Top 10 States of Visitors
75+ markets
300+ station partners
70 million households
300,000 spots
2014 Digital (includes mobile,
search, display, and video)
•
•
600+ online ad publishers
30+ direct buy partners
New York
3.4%
Pennsylvania
4.5%
Ohio
5.5%
2.8%
West
Virginia
2.9%
Virginia
7.8%
North Carolina
30.8%
Tennessee
3.2%
South Carolina
Georgia
17.4%
5.3%
1976
The Myrtle Beach Airport and terminal
open for commercial flights
1978
Brookgreen Gardens listed on National
Register of Historic Places.
TO U R I S M
1979
H I S TO R Y
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce opens
the Myrtle Beach Area Convention Bureau.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 7
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
UNIQUE User Sessions
2014
1,000,000
ADVERTISER Referrals
YTD
CHANGE
2013 9,370,523
2014 12,388,046
32.20%
2013
800,000
2014
1,200,000
2013
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
YTD
CHANGE
2013 8,200,561
2014 9,527,226
13.18%
600,000
400,000
400,000
200,000
0
200,000
0
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
9.5 million advertising referrals in 2014
12.3 million unique website visitors in 2014
• YouTube Views: 6,928,774
• Google+ Lifetime Views: 2,881,801
• Facebook Likes: 1,514,351
• Twitter Followers: 65,110
• Pinterest Followers: 4,669
• Google+ in Circles: 4,225
• Instagram Followers: 3,100
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
1983
The Shaggers Hall of Fame is conceptualized.
8 - 2014 Annual Marketing Report
A R E A
T I M E L I N E
1985
Myrtle Waves Water Park opens
1986
The Carolina Opry opens in Surfside Beach.
E-Mail Distribution to 600,000+ Subscribers
1988
Barefoot Landing is rebuilt and opens.
1989
Shag: The Movie, largely filmed in North Myrtle
Beach, is released in theaters throughout the U.S.
TO U R I S M
1990
H I S TO R Y
Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. is formed.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 9
Public Relations
Media
Report
2014 Annual Media Coverage
Type
Impressions
*Internet
Print
*Broadcast
Radio
TOTAL
Advertising
Equivalent Value
2,235,363,990
$107,298,380
47,978,882
$13,085,379
$21,754,483
170,564,674
146,259,271
2,600,166,817
$150,253
$142,288,495
*Includes coverage of Atlantic Beach
Memorial Day Bikefest incident
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
1992
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner theater
opens in Myrtle Beach.
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A R E A
T I M E L I N E
1993
1994
The Alabama Theatre opens in North Myrtle Beach
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club opens in Pawleys Island, S.C.
Research & Statistics
Research is important for gathering information to help ensure we are effective and efficient with our resources. It requires time,
effort and investment. Since the MBACC/CVB has been tasked with growing new visitation to particularly the shoulder season,
conducting research plays a crucial role in the marketing decision process by obtaining data before the consumer visits in the
Myrtle Beach area, during their stay, and after their visit is over.
Visitor Trending
Estimated Number of Annual Visitors (millions)
15.2
14.0
16.1
14.6
13.8
Total Visitor Spending, Visitor Nights, Party Size
(millions)
Spending
Nights
Party Size
2008
$2,210
5.6
4
2009
$2,470
5.7
4
2010
$2,668
5.8
4
2011
$2,770
5.9
4
2012
$2,800
6.0
4
Source: Equation Research
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Source: D.K. Shifflet & Associates
How Traveled
1995
Broadway at the Beach opens in Myrtle Beach.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Car
82%
81%
80%
80%
78%
Airplane
11%
12%
14%
13%
13%
Bus
.05%
0%
0%
0%
0%
RV
1%
1%
1%
1%
.50%
Motorcycle
.05%
0%
1%
1%
.70%
Car Rental
5%
6%
8%
8%
8%
1996
Myrtle Beach Airport becomes an international airport.
TO U R I S M
1997
H I S TO R Y
The first Ripley Aquarium opens in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 11
Marketing Collateral Samples
.com
Visit Myrtle Beach
SPECIAL DEALS ONLINE!
Myrtle Beach, SC
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
CANADIAN- AMERICAN
DAYS
Celebrating 54 years of welcoming
our Canadian and snowbird visitors
March 14-22, 2015
Welcome to the 54th Annual CANADIAN-AMERICAN DAYS FESTIVAL March 14-22, 2015
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate 54 years of welcoming our Canadian and snowbird
visitors to our 60 miles of pristine, sandy beaches! Once again, the red carpet will be rolled out and our neighbors from
the north will feel at home with a lineup of fun events and concerts taking place along the Grand Strand. From March
14 through March 22, 2015, Can-Am Days attendees can choose from a variety of free events and activities including
band concerts, a St. Patrick’s Day parade and dance, golf tournaments and dining, all complemented by discounts on
attractions and golf. The Can-Am Days truly showcases Southern hospitality at its finest! A complete event listing for
the 54th Annual Canadian-American Days Festival can be found online at www.visitmyrtlebeach.ca.
Your Myrtle Beach Vacation Starts Now
Welcome To America’s Favorite Playground
Myrtle Beach… it’s the place where time loses
its meaning and cares slip away with the tide.
Vacationers wake each morning to the bright
yellow sun and drift off each evening to the soft
sound of the ocean. Each day is filled with a fun
adventure, a new memory, and sun kissed cheeks.
With 100 kilometers of picturesque beaches,
luscious green palmetto trees, cloudless skies and a
VISIT
MYRTLE
BEACH
THE OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
VisitMyrtleBeach.ca
2015CanAm6pger.indd 4
As snow begins falling across the
country, guests can make their way
to the Myrtle Beach area’s warmer
temperatures and 60 miles of beautiful,
sandy beaches while still experiencing
the charm and tradition of the holidays.
This year, swap gifts for treasured
memories with a holiday visit to the
Grand Strand.
VISIT
MYRTLE
BEACH
Not sure what to do for the holidays?
Several Myrtle Beach area attractions
are offering amazing holiday deals this
year. More information can be found at
VisitMyrtleBeach.com/holiday.
Don’t let the winter blues drag you or
your loved ones down. Escape the cold
Whether catching one of the many
and head to the warmth of the Myrtle
fantastic holiday shows in the area or
Beach area’s shores. You’re sure to find
enjoying other favorite attractions, there plenty to do, see and celebrate this
truly is no better way to bring the family holiday season.
together for the holidays. The Myrtle
Beach area’s delicious culinary delights
and abundant shopping options also
help make for a festive and memorable
V for
i s all
i tages.
MyrtleBeach.com
getaway
In-Room Copy - Please Do Not Remove
12/6 – 12/7
Christmas Cantata
Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church
in North Myrtle Beach
843-280-5593
Parks.NMB.us
12/11
Living Window Display
Downtown Conway
843-248-1740
ConwayAlive.com
12/14
11th Annual Christmas Towne
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
843-916-7276
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
12/18
Conway Canine Christmas Costume Contest
Downtown Conway
843-248-1740
ConwayAlive.com
12/20
Breakfast with Santa
Surfside Beach, Golden Egg
843-650-9548
SurfsideBeach.org
12/31
New Year’s Eve
“Garden by Candlelight” Pre-Party
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
800-849-1931
Brookgreen.org
12/31
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Party
House of Blues, North Myrtle Beach
843-272-3000
HouseOfBlues.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS
11/5 – 11/9
Carolina Beach Music Awards
Alabama Theatre
800-342-2262
Cammy.org
12/31
New Year’s Eve Party
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Myrtle Beach
843-448-5455
MargaritavilleMyrtleBeach.com
11/9
Tchaikovsky and the Romantic Spirit
Long Bay Symphony
Myrtle Beach High School Music and Arts
Center
843-448-8379
LongBaySymphony.com
12/31
A Southern Times Square
The Market Common in Myrtle Beach
843-839-3502
MarketCommonMB.com
.com
.com
Wonderful shows, unique shopping venues and festivals that make
the holiday season brighter. Experience Myrtle Beach this season.
THE OFFICIAL MYRTLE BEACH AREA VISITORS GUIDETM
The Official Myrtle Beach Area Visitors GuideTM
THE GRAND STRAND
Myrtle Beach l North Myrtle Beach l Surfside Beach l Little River
Atlantic Beach l Garden City Beach l Loris l Conway l Aynor
Murrells Inlet l Litchfield Beach l Pawleys Island
Once you arrive, you’ll experience a
one-of-a-kind lineup of live
entertainment featuring singing,
dancing and comedy. Many of our
seasonal events begin in November and
continue through December. For a full
listing, visit GrandStrandEvents.com.
12/9/14 10:36 AM
THE OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
THE OFFICIAL MYRTLE BEACH AREA VISITORS GUIDETM
With wonderful holiday shows, a variety
of shopping venues and the merriest of
festivals, the Myrtle Beach area is sure
to liven up your winter and make your
holiday season a memorable one.
touch of southern comfort, you’ll easily understand
what makes this place so amazing and why our
visitors return to our shores year after year. From
entertaining miniature golf to exciting waterparks to
fantastic shopping, a vacation to Myrtle Beach offers
something memorable for everyone. We’re glad
you’re here, and we hope you enjoy and savor every
minute of your Myrtle Beach vacation.
HOLIDAY PARADES
11/29
30th Annual Intracoastal
Christmas Regatta Boat Parade
Little River Inlet to Dock Holidays Marina
843-249-8888
ChristmasRegatta.com
12/1
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Wilcox Avenue & U.S. Business 17
843-357-2007
MurrellsInletSC.com
12/6
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
Main Street
843-281-2662
NorthMyrtleBeachChamber.com
12/31
New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks
Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach
800-386-4662, ext. 1225
BroadwayAtTheBeach.com
12/13
Rivertown Christmas Parade
Downtown Conway
843-248-6260
ConwayLive.com
12/31
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Children’s Museum of S.C., Myrtle Beach
843-946-9469
CMSCKids.org
12/13
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
Ocean Boulevard
843-650-9548
SurfsideBeach.org
12/31
New Year’s Eve Bash
Hard Rock Café, Myrtle Beach
843-946-0007
HardRock.com
11/15
SxSE Music Feast at the Depot
Southeast Music Feasts
843-222-6146
SouthBySoutheast.org
11/27 -11/29
45th Annual South Carolina
State Bluegrass Festival
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
706-864-7203
AdamsAndAndersonBluegrass.com
12/6
Holiday Music Fest
La Belle Amie Vineyards
843-399-9463
LaBelleAmie.com
12/6 -12/7
Musical Classics
for the Holiday Season
Long Bay Symphony
Trinity Episcopal Church and Our Lady Star
of The Sea
Myrtle Beach
843-448-8379
LongBaySymphony.com
12/13 – 12/14
Carolina Master Chorale: Christmas and
Carols and All That Jazz
Socastee High School and Trinity Church
843-444-5774
CarolinaMasterChorale.com
12/27
Yuletide Music and Bonfire
La Belle Amie Vineyards
843-399-9463
LaBelleAmie.com
A PUBLICATION OF THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
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M Y R T L E
10/2/14 10:39 AM
B E AC H
1999
TPC Myrtle Beach opened as the Grand Strand’s
100th golf course.
12 - 2014 Annual Marketing Report
A R E A
T I M E L I N E
2002
2003
Tanger Outlets opens two shopping centers
in the Myrtle Beach area.
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center opens.
Mills Marketing Group
Travel
Show Listing 2014
Show DatesShowLocation
Jan. 12
Auto Club Group Travel Show
Jan. 17-19
Cincinnati Golf, Travel, Sports & Boat Show Cincinnati, OH
Jan. 23 - 26
28th Nashville Boat & Sportshow
Nashville, TN
Jan. 24 - 26
AAA Great Vacations Expo
Columbus, OH
Feb. 7 - 9
Owensboro Hunting & Fishing Expo Owensboro, KY
Feb. 14 - 23
Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 21 - 23
31st Chicago Golf Show
Chicago, IL
Feb
Fort Bragg Military Show
Fort Bragg, NC
Feb
Camp Lejeune Military Show
Camp Lejeune, NC
Feb
Fort Campbell Military Base
Fort Campbell, KY
March 1 -
AAA Travel Show
Montgomery, AL
March 7 - 9
Southern Women’s Show
Memphis, TN
March
Shaw Air Force Base Military Travel
Sumter, SC
March 5, 2014
Fort Rucker Military Base Travel Show Dothan, AL
March 12, 2014
Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah
March 11, 2014
Fort Stewart Army
Fort Campbell, KY
March 19, 2014
Albany MCLB Montgomery, AL
March 20, 2015
Warner Robins
April 5 -
AAA Travel Show
Tuscaloosa, AL
April 18 - 21, 2013
Southern Women’s Show
Nashville, TN
April 26 - 28, 2013
Southern Women’s Show
Raleigh, NC
April 19 -
AAA Travel Show
Huntsville, AL
May 3 -
AAA Travel Show - Headquarters
Birmingham, AL
May Travel Expo at The Villages
The Villages, FL
June Senior FunFest & JamboreePlant City
(Tampa), FL
Sept
Fall Community Showcase & Travel ShowHunter Army Airfield, GA
Sept
Fall Community Showcase & Travel ShowFort Stewart, GA
Sept Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte, NC
Sept FL Home & Garden Show
Fort Myers, FL
Oct 29th Annual Southern Women’s Show Birmingham, AL
Oct Southern Women’s Show
Nov
Fort Knox Retired Military Annual ShowFort Knox, KY
Knoxville, TN
Jacksonville, FL
2005
The 2004 restoration of the Myrtle Beach train depot wins the 2005 Historic
Preservation Honor Award from the S.C. Department of Archives and History.
2006
The first Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival is held.
TO U R I S M
2008
H I S TO R Y
Republican Presidential Primary debate & Democratic
Presidential Primary Debates hosted in Myrtle Beach.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 13
CVB Group Sales 2014 Successes
•
Definite room nights - 172,805
•
Leads generated – 859
•
Serviced 303 groups with welcome materials, promotions, or assistance
•
Represented MB at 35 trade shows
•
Hosted 75 in-market fam trips
•
Sponsorships at 12 major industry functions
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
2009
A R E A
Myrtle Beach implements a Tourism Development Fee
to help fund tourism promotion.
14 - 2014 Annual Marketing Report
T I M E L I N E
2010
2010
The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
and Promenade opens.
Dave Price of the CBS Early Show broadcasts
live from Myrtle Beach.
Events & Festivals
•
Dan+Shay Outdoor Concert
•
53rd Annual Canadian American Days Festival
•
9th Annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival
•
33rd Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival
•
9th Annual Mayfest on Main
•
4th Annual Coastal Uncorked
•
35th Annual Conway Riverfest
•
35th Annual Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival
•
10th Annual Little River ShrimpFest
•
35th Annual Loris Bog-Off Festival
•
17th Annual MyrtleBeach.com
Myrtle Beach Marathon
•
Divas Half Marathon
•
6th Annual Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon
•
31st Annual Taste of the Town
•
4th Annual F.L.A.V.O.R. Culinary Tasting Event
2011
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel opens.
2012
The Republican Presidential Primary debate is held at
the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
TO U R I S M
2014
H I S TO R Y
Myrtle Beach International Airport opens its
new $118 million terminal.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com - 15
2014 Accolades & Awards
As part of our continued integrated marketing efforts, we
will continue to obtain industry recognition with awards such as:
• 2014 SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR’S CUP MYRTLE BEACH BOARDWALK
•P
RICELINE.COM
TOP 10 SUMMER BEACH DESTINATIONS
•C
OUPONSDAILY.COM
20 CITIES FOR AN AFFORDABLE
VALENTINE’S DAY GETAWAY
• USA TODAY, 10BEST
BEST GOLF DESTINATION
• TRIPADVISOR VACATION RENTALS
BEST FAMILY TRIP DESTINATION
•T
RIP ADVISOR
MOST POPULAR TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
FOR SUMMER 2013 & 2014
•T
RIPADVISOR
TOP 25 DESTINATIONS – UNITED STATES
• FAMILY VACATION CRITIC
10 BEST BEACHES FOR FAMILIES IN 2014
• YAHOO! TRAVEL
50 COOLEST THINGS IN AMERICA
•F
LIPKEY.COM
2014 TOP MARATHONS & RACES WORTH
TRAVELING FOR (2014)
• U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT: TRAVEL
BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS IN THE USA
• STADIUM JOURNEY MAGAZINE
TOP 100 STADIUM EXPERIENCES OF 2014
•G
ROUPS TODAY
SOUTHERN READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2014
•T
RIP ADVISOR
TRAVELERS’ CHOICE: U.S. TOP 25
DESTINATIONS (2014)
• DREAM PLAN GO
THE NINE BEST LAST-MINUTE U.S. TRIP
DESTINATIONS (2014)
• DESTINATION TRAVEL MAGAZINE
TOP 12 BEST AQUARIUMS IN THE NATION
• CONVENTIONSOUTH MAGAZINE
BEST PLACE TO KICK BACK
“Golf or beach? In Myrtle Beach the answer is a resounding: both!”
- Yahoo Travel, naming Myrtle Beach one of its top 10 buzziest beach destinations for 2014
“Myrtle Beach might as well be a distant cousin of Disney World, with plenty of restaurants and an
abundance of family-friendly attractions.”
- Family Vacation Critic, naming Myrtle Beach one of its best beaches for families for 2014.
M Y R T L E
B E AC H
16 - 2014 Annual Marketing Report
A R E A
T I M E L I N E