Rationale Travel and tourism has become an increasingly important component of South Carolina's economy over the last thirty years.
Tourism contributes both directly and indirectly to the state's economy.
About fifty percent of tourist dollars are spent on food service and about twenty percent on lodging. The remainder generates employment in various service related industries, including transportation, recreation, entertainment, and retail trade. Although beaches have always been attractive to tourists, more and more visitors are looking for additional attractions such as amusement parks, theaters, golf courses, campgrounds, and convention facilities. The Myrtle Beach area has expanded to offer many of these extra features while still maintaining the family atmosphere that continues to draw millions of tourists from both in and out of state. Almost forty percent of all tourist dollars generated in South Carolina come from the Myrtle Beach area.