Over 35,000 tourists and locals attended the 3 day event called the Carolina Country Music Festival held in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
S.C. Governor Henry McMaster called the event “a sure sign South Carolina is now open for business.”
Except for a few minor incidents, the event was considered a major success for the City of Myrtle Beach as it kicks of its 2021 Summer tourist season.
The event is partially funded by ATAX dollars.
South Carolina established ATAX funds in the 1980’s. ATAX is a two percent tax on overnight accommodations in addition to the statewide sales tax. State law stipulates how those monies are to be allocated. A small portion of the Accommodations Tax (ATAX) money stays in the local municipality or county where it is collected. The remainder must be used to attract and provide for tourists and must be spent on tourism-related expenditures. Local revenues from the so-called “bed-tax” are designated to fund programs that promote tourism and attract visitors.