Public Relations & Influencer Engagement
National, regional, and international PR will continue to be a core part of Visit Myrtle Beach’s marketing strategy in 2026. Our focus remains on generating positive earned media coverage that enhances the destination’s reputation and supports seasonal campaigns and key initiatives.
Strategies include year-round media pitching, in-person and virtual meetings, media hosting and FAMs, Satellite Media Tours, publisher activations, and influencer partnerships aligned with priority storylines.
National Media Relations
Maintain and enhance Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier tourism destination through top-tier travel, lifestyle, and broadcast coverage.
Regional Media Relations
Drive visitation from key feeder markets through seasonal storytelling, road trip inspiration, and timely booking windows.
International Media Relations
Support brand visibility in international markets, with emphasis on winter travel and group experiences.
2026 Focus Areas
Earned and influencer media efforts will align with seasonal priorities and key pillars including Culinary, Wellness (Blue Mind), Sensory-Friendly travel, Regional Drive Markets, and What’s New across the Grand Strand.
Earned Media Calendar Overview
Star power will once again take center stage at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, led by Academy Award–winning actor Kurt Russell and tennis legend John McEnroe, who are both confirmed to participate in the Wednesday Pro‑Am during tournament week at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
National media coverage in February reinforced Myrtle Beach’s visibility as a high-demand, experience-driven coastal destination, supported by strong entertainment momentum, expanding access via direct flights, and continued recognition for value and family-friendly appeal.
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative has officially launched as the new enterprise identity established to enhance the efforts of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Visit Myrtle Beach, along with Partnership Grand Strand, Collaborate2031, Leadership Grand Strand, Grand Strand Young Professionals and additional initiatives. Through “The Collaborative,” these organizations will serve under a single platform dedicated to driving economic prosperity and improving quality of life throughout the greater Myrtle Beach area.
Picking up the winner’s check certainly will be easier than lifting the seascape trophy at this year’s ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, which will conclude May 10 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
The winner’s hardware is a 21-pound bronze plate, sculpted for the event by Bryan Rapp, 52, the director of the Master Sculpture Program at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet since 2019.
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic will again host a Horry County Schools (HCS) Day from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on April 13, where more than 250 high school students majoring in marketing, culinary services, hospitality and turf management will receive a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at what’s involved in running a PGA TOUR event. The professional golf event will be contested May 7-10 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
With April marking National Autism Acceptance Month, communities across the Grand Strand are honoring the region’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through a series of special occasions.
National media coverage in February reinforced Myrtle Beach’s visibility as a high-demand, experience-driven coastal destination, supported by strong entertainment momentum, expanding access via direct flights, and continued recognition for value and family-friendly appeal. Major national outlets highlighted the destination’s inclusion in headline-making entertainment news, including Post Malone and Jelly Roll extending their stadium tour into 2026 with a stop at the Carolina Country Music Festival.
Partnership Grand Strand (PGS), the nonprofit foundation of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Visit Myrtle Beach, announces the launch of Collaborate2031, a comprehensive community strategy initiative designed to strengthen economic vitality, community pride and quality of life across Horry County and the Myrtle Beach region.
As part of the effort, members of the community will have multiple opportunities to provide input, including participation in listening sessions and an online survey available at Collaborate2031.com.
With travelers increasingly prioritizing value when planning vacations, Visit Myrtle Beach is launching a new destination-wide promotion designed to help visitors get more from their getaway. Through the new “Make More Myrtle Moments” campaign, participating accommodations across South Carolina’s Grand Strand are offering complimentary lodging nights on qualifying stays, making it easier for travelers to extend their time at The Beach while keeping their trip budget-friendly.
Syracuse University Esports is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach as they bring the multi-award-winning Boost on the Beach event back to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the fourth consecutive year. Hosted at The Hangout on March 14-15, 2026, this year’s event will feature 12 teams from across the country competing in an electrifying Rocket League tournament, showcasing top collegiate talent on a national stage.
