In this week’s Take 5 interview, we sit down with Rebecca Seeds, Canadian Account Manager at Visit Myrtle Beach, to talk about how the destination is holding steady with Canadian travellers amid broader softness in U.S. travel. Seeds shares insights on Canada-focused marketing, what’s new for 2026, evolving booking patterns and how travel advisors can confidently sell Myrtle Beach in a sustainability-minded market.

1. Amid a downward turn in U.S. travel this past year, can you tell us how Myrtle Beach is performing with Canadian travellers specifically, and what strategies are in place to maintain or grow Canada as a key source market?

“Visit Myrtle Beach has seen a slight dip in visitation but for the most part, been able to maintain their Canadian visitors and views Canada as one of their most important international source markets. Canadian licence plates can be seen throughout the destination at any given time!  

“Visit Myrtle Beach has several focused strategies to maintain and grow that relationship, especially given the long history of Canadian travel to the region and the shifts in travel trends. Visit Myrtle Beach runs Canada specific B2B and B2C marketing and promotional campaigns that highlight tailored content for Canadian travellers in Ontario and Québec which are their two largest markets in Canada. 

“There are special deals and offers for Canadian travellers, travel tips and event info shared via trade newsletters, training webinars and educational sessions to help advisors stay on top of what’s new in the destination and an English and French language travel guide with travel resources and incentives aimed at specific Canadian audiences in Ontario and Québec.  

“A strategic messaging theme used in Canadian promotions emphasizes belonging and connection — ‘100 kms Where You Belong’ —underscoring that Myrtle Beach isn’t merely a vacation spot but a welcoming community where Canadians feel appreciated and comfortable.”

2. What’s new or noteworthy in Myrtle Beach this summer season that Canadian travel advisors should be highlighting to their clients, whether that’s new attractions, accommodations, experiences or infrastructure improvements?

“There are two new and exciting attraction experiences opening soon with the first being Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co.  This new
indoor-outdoor distillery and brewery at Broadway at the Beach will open in spring 2026, complete with a beer garden, full-service bar, and immersive experiences.

“Also opening in 2026, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown will be a massive 50,000-square-foot entertainment dining experience featuring a chef-driven menu, tiki bar, bowling lanes, and arcade games.

“In accommodation news, the Ocean Escape Boardwalk Oceanfront opens February 2026, offering spacious one, two and three-bedroom oceanfront condos right along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk — complete with full kitchens, private balconies, and unbeatable walkability. And our most popular family resort, Captains Quarters, is finishing major renovations with updated rooms, enhanced pool areas, a new arcade, and a new restaurant, with completion expected late 2026.

“Lastly, Visit Myrtle Beach is gearing up to celebrate a major national milestone as America celebrates 250 years, offering a moment to recognize the journey that brought the country to where it is today and the possibilities ahead. Along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, events, attractions and festivities spotlight the region’s enduring spirit, creativity and resilience that have helped shape the nation since 1776.”

3. How is Visit Myrtle Beach supporting Canadian travel agents right now in terms of training, sales tools, partnerships or incentives to help them confidently sell the destination?

“Visit Myrtle Beach has a dedicated sales team in Ontario and Québec, the two primary markets for the destination. We work with all travel agencies and host agencies across Canada offering training webinars, lunch ‘n learns and marketing partnerships that can include B2C initiatives. We also work closely with Spoiled Agent and feature our Travel Agent discounted hotel rates and other sales tools that travel agents can use.”

4. Are you seeing any shifts in traveller behaviour or booking patterns among Canadians, such as changes in length of stay, travel timing, multi-generational trips or value-driven travel, and how is Myrtle Beach adapting to those trends?

“We are seeing that Canadian travellers are going to Myrtle Beach for group sporting events or to golf taking advantage of The Beach as a four-season destination and the golf capital of the world. Q4 indicators show growth in travel due to Myrtle Beach’s ‘secret summer’ and to take advantage of the value driven deals that Can-Am Days offers from March-December with Canadian specific discounts and seasonal deals at attractions, resorts and events across the Grand Strand.

“Myrtle Beach is adapting to these trends by continuing to offer a wide variety of discounts across the destination. Some participating resorts are trying to attract Canadians by offering up to 50 percent off standard USD lodging rates with a valid Canadian identification while attractions such as Ripley’s Aquarium and select golf courses are extending savings for visitors presenting Canadian ID or a CAA card.”

5. Sustainability and community impact are becoming more important to Canadian travellers. How is Myrtle Beach approaching responsible tourism, and how can travel advisors share that story with clients?

“Myrtle Beach is taking steps toward sustainable tourism and visitors can play a big role in helping the destination protect its natural environment and community as they enjoy their trip. Travel advisors can share with their clients that they can support programs like Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful, which encourages clean beaches and dune protection or by participating in a parks and nature program to educate visitors about preserving sensitive areas and wildlife habitats.  

“The destination also highlights eco-tourism and nature-based experiences, especially in North Myrtle Beach such as kayaking, wildlife watching and visiting protective reserves like Waites Island. These types of experiences bring visitors closer to nature while emphasizing conservation and low impact.  

“Lastly, many hotels in the Myrtle Beach area have adopted sustainable measures such as energy efficient lighting, waste reducing programs and towel/linen reuse initiatives which help reduce the environmental footprint of tourism operations.”   

The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is accessible via connecting flights from across Canada. Plus, there are some Canadian border U.S. cities that offer direct service to MYR such as Plattsburgh, Detroit and Niagara/Buffalo. For more information, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/mission.