Sports activities tourism offering enhance to Myrtle Seaside economic system

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Sports tourism is making a comeback following the impact of the pandemic on Grand Strand.

The return of sporting events is a major boost to the hospitality and tourism industry of Myrtle Beach after the pandemic.

The city not only welcomes long-standing annual events, but also creates space for new ones.

Sports tourism officials in Myrtle Beach reported the demand from organizers to move their events to Grand Strand, as the states in which they originally took place are still strictly closed.

“Sports tourism has recovered well. We have added several new events due to COVID that are helping to fill the restaurants, shops and attractions, ”said Jonathan Paris, Executive Director, Sports Tourism, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

National events like the 2021 USA meet the champions Athletics event hosted by The National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), go to Grand Strand for the first time.

Sports teams across the country bring their players and dollars to Myrtle Beach, helping keep the number of sports tourists trending.

“We seem to be at 2019 levels, if not above 2019,” said Paris. “Of course we are all optimistic that we will all get out of COVID, but I think, as we have seen at times, it throws you a curveball. That’s why I say we are cautiously optimistic.”

Sponsors, who traditionally hold their annual competitions in New York or other northeastern states, bring their events to South Carolina.

The organizers are looking for new places to host their events as many northern states are still strictly closed.

Seven hundred elite athletes from 30 different states are expected to travel to Myrtle Beach this weekend.

“We have not actively tried to use these events. These events state that South Carolina and Myrtle Beach are open and they come to us and say we cannot have our event at that destination. So can we come here? Said Paris.

The athletics event implemented COVID-19 protocols.

Everyone will be given a quick test before entering the stadium.

According to Paris, they are introducing several first-time competitions at Grand Strand, including wrestling, volleyball and basketball tournaments.

Those in charge hope that first-time teams at Grand Strand will leave with the intention of making the trip an annual event.