Destinations

A taste of Myrtle Beach in Toronto

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From blackened catfish to BBQ ribs and smoked chicken, travel industry personnel got a flavour of South Carolina coastal cuisine last night (Feb. 18) during a Taste of Myrtle Beach BBQ held in Toronto.

“We’ve had a huge explosion in culinary tourism,” says Kimberly Hartley, Travel Solutions by Design Corp., Canadian-based reps for the Myrtle Beach Area CVB. “It’s very unique. It’s not just about beach, it’s not just about golf, there’s so much more to the destination: the history, the culture, the adventure, the kayaking and canoeing, bird-watching and cycling, hiking and camping, the amazing resorts from your B&Bs to your plantation homes to the beach homes to the high-end resorts to the condo resorts, all invite various types of visitors.”

The event also celebrated the recent launch of the Can-Am Days Deals, offering Canadians visitors up to 50% off select hotels, live entertainment, attractions, golf and restaurants through April 30 to help offset the cost of the sinking Loonie and to coincide with the 55th annual Canadian-American Days Festival taking place March 12-20, during March Break.

“We recognized our Canadian visitors were facing a huge challenge with the dollar exchange rate between the Canadian and US dollar… and the CVB went to our members and said what can we do to help them?” she says. “We’re quite excited because Canadians travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In 2015 we welcomed close to a million visitors to the destination.”

With available lift service on WestJet and Porter Airlines, and Porter Escapes and WestJet Vacations offering Myrtle Beach packages, and a healthy drive market, she says travel agents can easily sell the destination and create FIT offerings for clients.

Pictured at the event held at SmoQue N Bones restaurant are: Andrew Cantrell, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Scott Tomasello, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, Kimberly Hartley, Travel Solutions by Design Corp./Myrtle Beach Area CVB, Dolly Chewning, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Ian Tillson, Travel Solutions by Design Corp./Myrtle Beach Area CVB, and Cory Newbrough, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.