US Tourism Faces Surprising Shifts as Myrtle Beach Struggles with Rising Costs and Changing Visitor Trends – New Update You Need to Know

Published on August 30, 2025

As summer draws to a close and the school year kicks off, Myrtle Beach’s tourism industry is reflecting on a season marked by mixed results. According to US tourism news, the Grand Strand has seen a range of trends this year, with some challenges offset by moments of stability. Although there has been a noticeable slowdown, especially around major holidays like the Fourth of July, officials remain optimistic about the overall tourism outlook.

A Slower Summer Than Expected

The summer season, which typically brings a surge of visitors to Myrtle Beach, has been less busy this year compared to previous summers. Reports from WMBF News highlighted that the Fourth of July weekend, a traditionally busy time for the area, was significantly quieter than in past years. Many businesses in Myrtle Beach faced a downturn during this peak period, signaling a shift in visitor patterns.

However, Visit Myrtle Beach president Stuart Butler was quick to point out that despite these fluctuations, tourism this year is still on track with last year’s numbers. “It’s been a mixed season,” Butler noted, acknowledging that some challenges were unavoidable but that the community should be proud of how it adapted. These mixed results reflect broader trends seen in US tourism news, where other destinations are also adjusting to shifting visitor behaviors and economic factors.

Economic Pressure and Changing Visitor Behavior

One of the most prominent issues affecting Myrtle Beach tourism in 2025 has been rising costs, particularly in terms of accommodations. Higher prices have made vacations less affordable for many, leading to fewer bookings in more budget-friendly properties. According to Butler, many one-bedroom, economy accommodations were left empty this summer as families and budget-conscious travelers struggled to afford the total cost of their trips.

• High prices for vacation rentals have caused financial strain for many potential visitors.
• Budget-friendly accommodations have seen particularly low occupancy, especially as families have had to make tough decisions about their travel budgets.

As a result, the vacation rental market has shifted. Local rental companies like Dunes Realty have seen a trend of shorter stays, with vacationers opting for weekend getaways or stays of less than a week. This shift in booking patterns is not unique to Myrtle Beach and has been a common theme in broader US tourism news. Visitors are becoming more cautious with their spending, opting for shorter trips that provide flexibility and lower overall costs.

The Impact of Uncertainty

The uncertainty surrounding the economic and political landscape has also influenced tourism behavior. As Ryan Swaim from Dunes Realty explained, the current climate is contributing to a sense of unease among travelers. “The overall economic and political climate is unsettled,” said Swaim, explaining that many vacationers are unsure about what to expect in the near future. Whether people are concerned about inflation, political shifts, or other factors, this uncertainty has made travelers more hesitant to commit to long, expensive vacations.

As a result, many are opting for shorter stays, with fewer advance bookings. This change in how vacations are planned has led to what is being called “shorter booking windows,” which means travelers are booking their trips closer to the date of their planned vacation rather than months in advance.

• Travelers are booking vacations closer to their intended departure dates, a trend driven by economic uncertainty.
• Short stays have become more common as vacationers try to reduce their overall spending.

Looking Ahead to Labor Day

Despite the challenges faced earlier in the summer, Myrtle Beach is expecting a stable flow of tourists for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Butler indicated that, at this point, there is no major decline in tourism expected for the holiday, which is one of the last big weekends of the season. Many visitors are still planning to make the most of the long weekend, suggesting that Myrtle Beach remains a popular destination even as the season winds down.

• Labor Day weekend is expected to bring a steady number of visitors, despite earlier slowdowns.
• Local officials are optimistic that the upcoming holiday will finish the season on a strong note.

Key Tourism Trends in Myrtle Beach

Several key factors have shaped the tourism landscape in Myrtle Beach this year:

• Rising prices have made vacations less affordable, with many travelers choosing budget-friendly options or shortening their stays.
• Changing booking behavior has led to an increase in shorter vacations and last-minute bookings.
• Economic uncertainty continues to affect consumer confidence, making travelers more cautious and hesitant to commit to longer, pricier vacations.
• Labor Day weekend should provide a much-needed boost to Myrtle Beach’s tourism industry, keeping it on track despite earlier slowdowns.

Conclusion: Adapting to the Latest US tourism news

Myrtle Beach’s tourism industry in 2025 reflects many of the trends found across the US. While the season has certainly had its share of challenges, including high prices and shifting visitor preferences, the destination remains resilient. As the year progresses, the industry will likely continue to adjust to new realities, finding ways to attract tourists in a budget-conscious environment.

By addressing concerns like high accommodation costs and adapting to new booking habits, Myrtle Beach tourism officials are confident that the area can continue to thrive, even in an unpredictable economic climate. As the season wraps up and attention shifts to the offseason, Myrtle Beach’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances will determine how it performs in the years to come.