MYRTLE BEACH -- According to preliminary numbers from Coastal Carolina University's Clay Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism, more visitors vacationed along the Grand Strand during the week of February 13 - 19.
Midweek occupancy rate was up by 9.9% compared to the same period of 2010. Over the weekend, occupancy rates are up by 62.4% compared to the same weekend in 2010.
The numbers are based on voluntary samples from hotels, condo-hotels, and campsites in Horry and Georgetown counties. About 9,500 units were included in the sample.
Earlier this year, Dr. Taylor Damonte with the Brittain Center told Myrtle Beach City Council he expected spring to increase.
New South Carolina tourism director Duane Parrish has predicted the industry could enjoy a record spring followed by double-digit growth during the next two years.
