North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, CVB positions itself as a regional tourism leader, reports $96M+ economic impact from tourism & unveils new branding and marketing campaign

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, CVB unveiled today a new branding and marketing campaign that highlights the unique coastal Carolina destination that is North Myrtle Beach, S.C. To help guide the rebranding and 2016 marketing campaign, the Chamber enlisted Gray Research to conduct a historic in-depth quantitative research study, and key insights were shared with Chamber members during today’s marketing summit.

A study of this magnitude is a milestone for the Chamber and its expanding Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), which continues to stake its claim as a growing leader in the region’s travel and tourism industry, generating $96M+ in state and local taxes during its spring and summer 2015 seasons.

The research study included the following significant statistics about the spring and summer 2015 North Myrtle Beach tourism impact:

• $956,134,761 indirect visitor expenditures were spent within North Myrtle Beach city limits; $181,722,207 was spent by visitors outside of the city of North Myrtle Beach
• 11,643 jobs were created in North Myrtle Beach due to tourism; 2,213 additional tourism jobs were created outside of the city limits
• Taxes generated by visitors save each North Myrtle Beach household $12,504 annually

“It’s with great pleasure today that we’re able to stand in front of our hospitality and tourism partners and industry leaders throughout the region to share the results of this important study.  The strong statistics show the ever-growing and significant impact that North Myrtle Beach tourism has on our community, region and the state of South Carolina,” said George DuRant, Vice President of Tourism Development at the Chamber/CVB. “The research study helped us understand the key drivers that keep families and visitors coming back to North Myrtle Beach year after year. With that insight, we are pleased to deliver a new brand image and campaign that reflect the true essence of North Myrtle Beach and positions us as a unique, first-choice coastal destination.”

The CVB enlisted branding agency, Crawford Strategy, to help position the North Myrtle Beach brand and create additional demand for the amenities unique to the area. Based on the research study, Crawford Strategy worked closely with the CVB to develop the following brand positioning statement to guide all marketing and communications efforts:

North Myrtle Beach is a special collection of classic seaside communities, unexpected adventures, and relationship-fostering accommodations that make for the most relaxing beach vacation for the whole family.

This brand position statement served as the foundation for the development of the new North Myrtle Beach marketing slogan “Just Coast” which will begin to appear in marketing efforts immediately. The “Just Coast” slogan and ad campaign suggests that in North Myrtle Beach, visitors can have it all and still get away from it all. No matter the type of beach vacation a visitor is seeking, North Myrtle Beach offers everyone the opportunity to “Just Coast.” From a beach home experience where friends and family cook and dine in, to a night out on Ocean Drive learning the official state dance, The Shag, vacationers have choices for activities and relaxation and can embrace the “Just Coast” way of life that is North Myrtle Beach.

In addition to the new brand position and “Just Coast” campaign, the CVB also refreshed the www.ExploreNorthMyrtleBeach.com website, photography and graphics, as well as print and digital advertising, including rich media and video ad units and merchandise.

To view examples of the new campaign and rebranding, visit www.explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com/industrypartners.

To learn more about North Myrtle Beach and its tourism offerings, visit www.explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com.

About the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau, an accredited five-star Chamber and qualifier for the 2014 Chamber of the Year, has been serving the local community for the past 13 years. The mission of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is to be recognized as the premier business organization serving the North Myrtle Beach area and its business members by providing quality products, programs, and services while influencing issues that enhance the economic prosperity and the sustainable development of our community. The Chamber recently committed to enhanced regional and national travel industry promotion and advocacy through reorganization of its Convention and Visitors Bureau division. For additional information about the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, visit www.NorthMyrtleBeachChamber.com orwww.explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com.

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