With Idalia gone, Myrtle Beach is open for Labor Day. Here’s what local hotels say
With Idalia clearing out of the Grand Strand just days ahead of summer’s last big travel weekend, visitors planning on a late season beach trip shouldn’t run into any storm-related complications.
“Properties along the beach are working to have amenities ready for a busy weekend. We may see a small dip in occupancy mid-week, but the consensus is that the weekend will be strong,” said Victoria Tobin, executive director of the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association. “Our members are looking forward to a robust weekend highlighted by beautiful weather.”
AAA data for car rentals, cruises, flights and hotels shows a 4% uptick in domestic bookings over the Labor Day weekend compared to 2022.
On Aug. 31, SkyWheel maintenance crews finished inspections and tests of the North Ocean Boulevard attraction, clearing it for regular use from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through Thursday.
Brittain Resorts and Hotels, a Myrtle Beach-based hospitality group that operates more than 20 properties across the region, is expecting a strong Labor Day push.
“Labor Day should be excellent with beautiful weather. Resorts are ready to go. Business as usual,” company spokesman Patrick Norton said.
A rip current advisory issued by the National Weather Service earlier this week lapsed at 8 p.m. on Thursday, and skies are expected to remain calm over the next several days, the agency forecasts.
Waves of Praise Gospel Fest organizer Reggie Dyson said he anticipates more than 10,000 people to participate in the fifth annual concert, which runs Sept. 1 and 2 at the Burroughs & Chapin pavilion.
“God has provided us perfect weather. It’s gonna be a good time,” Dyson said.
Meanwhile, city facilities in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach emerged from Idalia unscathed, so municipal services will be operating regularly.
“Even the sand fencing and seagrass springs survived the king tide,” Myrtle Beach city spokesman Mark Kruea said. “Any street flooding is long gone.”