Myrtle Beach Chamber Readies for Population and Tourism Boom
Myrtle Beach, a prime vacation hotspot and the heart of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, is gearing up for an impressive population surge by 2042, expected to grow by 53% from the current numbers. Consequently, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is broadening its horizons, ramping up preparations to meet the demands of the growing populous and the ever-increasing torrent of vacationers.
Raising The Bar On Local Infrastructure
A town hall meeting presided over by the VP of Public Policy, Jimmy Gray, elevated the Ride 4 referendum to the top rungs of priority issues up for the vote in the upcoming November elections. According to Gray, the referendum is paramount to addressing both present and future infrastructure needs in the face of the incoming populace.
“Our roads are virtually bursting at the seams,” Gray stated, emphasizing the necessity of the transportation tax. Primarily funded by tourists (66%), the tax goes toward extensive road renovation and improvements. The proposed Ride 4 is a successor to the Ride 3 tax, introducing new projects aimed at smoothening road travel.
Upon approval, the Ride 4 tax would finance several projects including an interstate connector, an essential Waccamaw River crossing in Conway comprising a modern bridge and highway, and a southern connector serving the Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet localities.
Accelerating Tourism With International Workforce
Beyond meeting the needs of the ever-growing local populace, the Chamber is also prepping for increased tourism. Key to these preparations is the continuation of the H2B and J1 visa programs, both facilitating tourism jobs for workers overseas. The programs routinely usher an estimated 2,500 laborers into seasonal roles at various hotels, eateries, and tourist attractions.
“International labor is pivotal to the hospitality industry”, asserted Gray. Local workers echoed these sentiments and expressed keen interest in keeping the program running. “These workers are not taking any jobs away from American citizens. Rather, these are crucial jobs serving both residents and tourists in our rapidly growing community.”
Chamber’s Plans for The Future
The MBACC has its sights set on not just sustaining the existing visa programs, but further improving living conditions and heightening the experience for its international workforce. The Chamber’s tailored strategies to accommodate the rising population and tourism underline its commitment to ensuring Myrtle Beach remains the preferred coastal escape it is touted to be. Erratic weather updates, crimes, and other pressing local concerns would be vigilantly handled to maintain smooth operations and ensure optimal safety.
While the city braces for these imminent changes, WMBF news sources conclude by reassuring citizens that updates will be shared promptly.
