Several hotel managers inside Myrtle Beach reported some Myrtle Beach Hotels as only 65 percent occupied Memorial Weekend. Those reports sent our team on a hunt to check out local beaches and local restaurants.

The reports seem accurate, as there are no official numbers yet from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, but beaches were not crowded and restaurant parking lots were mostly vacant.

65 percent occupied Memorial Weekend as broadcast

On Saturday, we visited several City of Myrtle Beach beaches. The weather was pitch perfect, yet few sunbathers could be found.

We went to downtown restaurants during the busiest dinner hour on Saturday and Sunday. The parking lots were at most 40% occupied.

Myrtle Beach experiences three significant tourist holidays during the summer season: July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. A 65 percent occupied Memorial Weekend devastates the restaurant and entertainment businesses.

A business leader we spoke with on Friday called it a crisis of leadership.

Implications of a 65 Percent Occupied Memorial Weekend on Local Businesses

Hotels and property managers can survive a long term trend of low tourism numbers. Restaurants can not.

Restaurant chains, being highly adaptable, are typically the first to shut down operations and exit a struggling city. This exodus leads to a decline in dining options, further discouraging tourists from visiting.

Needs of City Government – Let the merchants starve

The City of Myrtle Beach government is the only entity that prioritizes tourism dollars over local spending. Restaurants and attractions are solely focused on attracting customers.

The Mayor of Myrtle Beach informed tourists that crime would persist until new investors come in. Few investors will be interested in investing in a town with such a perspective.

Fewer tourists means fewer investors. 65 percent occupied Memorial Weekend soon becomes 65% occupied ongoing.

When will the 411,000 residents of Horry County surrounding the city limits signs be welcomed into the City of Myrtle Beach?

The Pelicans Baseball situation exemplifies the mindset of the Myrtle Beach City Government. The prevailing sentiment among officials and city leaders is one of defiance and self-destruction.

The sentiment can be summed up as, “I’ll show you! I’ll kill me!”