“Canada is important to us”: Myrtle Beach unlocks new stays, culinary experiences

Myrtle Beach is giving Canadians new reasons to return, with free-night offers, new and renovated hotels and culinary experiences as it reinforces its longstanding ties to Canada. 

Speaking to PAX during a Toronto visit on Tuesday (Sept. 1), Diane Charno, VP brand and communications for Visit Myrtle Beach said Canadian visitation remains down amid ongoing Canada-U.S. tensions, despite some improvement in recent months. 

“We were still down about 30 per cent year-over-year in March, but April, May, June and July have started to improve,” she says. 

“It’s still down if you go back and compare that to a couple years ago, but it’s improving. We hope that continues.”

The South Carolina destination welcomes approximately 18 million visitors annually. 

International travellers represent a small share of that total, but Canadians remain its largest international market, said Charno.

Stays, savings and connections 

For many Canadians, Myrtle Beach is more than a quick getaway, said Charno.

"Canadians tend to visit longer than our average visitors, so we often see 10-day trips as an average number,” she said.

Travellers are researching early but waiting longer to book, she added. 

“In general, with everything going on in the world and the economy, people are staying flexible,” she said. 

“They're shopping early, but booking closer to the actual stay.”

Value has long been part of Myrtle Beach’s appeal, and it remains central to the destination’s pitch to Canadians. 

The 'Make ‘More Myrtle Moments’ offer, launched this year with more than 45 participating properties, provides one free night when booking three nights or two free nights when booking five, according to Charno.

Beach houses and condotels also allow families and friends to share accommodation costs.

“It's another way that people can take a longer vacation and get more value,” Charno said.

Milestone celebrations, golf getaways and trips with friends also bring groups to Myrtle Beach.

“People are always surprised at how many family reunions also happen because it's a great place where everybody wants to go and gather,” said Charno.

The hotel inventory is evolving, too. 

Charno highlighted voco The Shelby, which opened in June 2025 with 241 rooms and suites. 

The oceanfront property near the Boardwalk features a lazy river, outdoor pool and retro-inspired interiors. 

She also pointed to the renovated Ellie Beach Resort, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, where guests have access to indoor and outdoor pools, three waterslides and Springmaid Pier. 

When it comes to getting there, more than 90 per cent of Canadian visitors drive, although flight arrivals continue to grow, said Charno.  

There are no nonstop flights from Canada, but Charno said ongoing talks are underway to establish service. 

For those who prefer to fly, Charno pointed to one-stop connections through U.S. cities such as New York and Detroit. 

Fall flavours and fresh experiences

The destination is also highlighting fall travel, with beach weather continuing alongside new culinary experiences. 

“Fall, for locals in particular, is one of our favorite times of year because the weather is still great, the ocean is still warm,” said Denielle Van Dyke, public relations manager, Visit Myrtle Beach.

The Grand Strand Chef’s Table returns Oct. 16 at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, bringing together local chefs and James Beard–recognized talent from across South Carolina for tastings, beverage pairings and demonstrations.

The destination is putting more attention on its local dishes and the chefs bringing new flavours to the area.

Charno highlighted the region’s Lowcountry cooking, shaped in part by the culinary traditions of Gullah Geechee communities, descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans who preserved their cultural heritage along the southeastern U.S. coast. 

Regional specialties for food-focused travellers to try including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and chicken bog, a combination of chicken, sausage and rice.

At Broadway at the Beach, Van Dyke highlighted Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co., alongside new shops and restaurants.

Golf will also be in the spotlight in 2027, with celebrations planned for 100 years of the sport in Myrtle Beach with the centennial of Pine Lakes, its oldest golf club.

The destination is expanding its accessibility efforts as well.

“We've got a lot going on in the accessibility space,” said Van Dyke. 

“There are a lot of sensory-friendly events, our airport has a quiet room. We have things for people of every ability.”

Charno said the destination remains committed to its Canadian visitors and travel trade partners. 

“Our goal is to make sure that we are still showing up, still letting travel advisors know that Canada is important to us,” she said.

Myrtle Beach has welcomed Canadians for more than 65 years, a history Charno said has endured through changing travel conditions.

“We're still supporting advisors in any way we can through webinars and partnerships,” she said.

“We're still here. We're still investing." 

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