PAWLEYS ISLAND — Georgetown County tourism is seeing strong growth even as neighboring Myrtle Beach endured a slower summer .

From June 2024 to May 2025, the county collected over $3.6 million in accommodations taxes — a 7.4 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. In comparison, statewide revenue increased by 4.4 percent during the same period while Myrtle Beach saw a 1.4 percent decrease.

"It was the biggest year in Georgetown County tourism history," said Mark Stevens, tourism director for the county’s chamber of commerce .

Georgetown County’s vacation rental market is dominated by Airbnb and Vrbo properties, while Myrtle Beach largely relies on hotels.

Stevens said that’s one reason interest in the Hammock Coast has grown. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many vis

See Full Page