‘A disaster’: Myrtle Beach business owners say slow summer has them on edge

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – As tourist season begins winding down in Myrtle Beach, some business owners say the typically busy summer has been a financial struggle.

Many owners said they hope this Labor Day weekend will give them the boost they need.

“Business-wise, it’s a disaster,” said Ron Mousa, owner of South Seas Hotel.

“It’s slower than last year,” said Evelyn Gonzalez, who owns 5 De Mayo Mexican Restaurant.

Ocean Boulevard was quiet Thursday as Mousa revealed rooms that are normally booked out, ahead of the holiday weekend, were vacant.

“We don’t have reservations,” said Mousa.

He said having zero reservations going into the last weekend of tourist season isn’t the norm.

“In this kind of business, like [the] day after Labor Day, we ask how was the season, because officially that’s the ending of the season, but we feel like we haven’t even started the season yet,” said Mousa.

Hotels aren’t the only ones feeling the summer slump.

Several restaurants along the Boulevard were also quiet. Gonzalez said tables at 5 De Mayo just haven’t been as full this summer.

“Everybody can tell you the same thing. Last year it was like busy, but this year it was kind of slow,” she said.

In a statement Thursday, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce said despite some challenges, the Myrtle Beach area’s summer season has performed better than anticipated. The chamber also cited economic woes and the recent Tropical Storm Debby as reasons tourism has taken a hit, but assured this year’s numbers are very close to 2023.

Despite that, several business owners claim their numbers are down by as much as 20%.

“I mean the economy that’s one of the things right now,” said Gonzalez. “It impacts everywhere.”

It’s left many feeling many emotions and hoping things will pick up for at least one more summer weekend.

“[It] makes me insecure,” said Mousa.

“I hope everybody does great this weekend, because it’s our last busy summer days,” said Gonzalez.

The chamber said they won’t know the full scope of summer tourism numbers until after Labor Day weekend.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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