Two separate economic impact studies have quantified and confirmed the dramatic economic benefit to both the Grand Strand region and the entire State of South Carolina from aviation activity at Horry County’s airports system, particularly at Myrtle Beach International (MYR).
According to the first study, published in 2006 by the South Carolina Department of Commerce through its Aeronautics Office[1], the total annual estimated economic impact of Horry County’s four airports is $776,390,800, with MYR accounting for over 97% of the total.
| Total Estimated Annual Economic Impact | |
| Horry County Airports | |
| Myrtle Beach International Airport | $756,453,600 |
| Conway | 3,188,700 |
| Grand Strand | 3,628,900 |
| Loris | 314,100 |
| TOTAL | $776,390,800 |
That same study estimated that when direct, indirect and multiplier impacts are considered, 12,888 jobs, with an estimated annual payroll of $332,353,600, are attributable to Horry County’s airports system. Approximately 98% of the employment benefits are attributable to aviation activity at MYR.
| Air Visitor Segments | ||
| Golf | Business | Leisure |
| % of total: 48% | % of total: 6% | % of total: 46% |
| Length of Stay: 5.6 Days | Length of Stay: 2.63 Days | Length of Stay: 5.3 Days |
A second study,[2] prepared for Horry County Department of Airports, specifically analyzed the impact of air visitors on Horry County. According to that study, air visitors stay longer and spend more than “drive” visitors and each air visitor currently generates $2,358 per visit as compared to $1,447 per visit for drive visitors. The study also concluded that one County airport job is created at MYR for every 6,000 air passengers and that one additional non-government airport job is created for every 1,300 air passengers.
[1] The Economic Impact of Aviation, Final Report, May 2006, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Aeronautics, prepared by Wilbur Smith Assoc. in association with ERD Group and Franks and Associates
[2] Economic Benefit of Air Visitors and Air Service Development Plan Prepared for Horry County Department of Airports and the Myrtle Beach Intnational Airport, November 2006, prepared by BACK Aviation Solutions
