MYRTLE BEACH, SC – November 12, 2009 – The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBACC/CVB) today announces non-stop, twice-weekly service on Porter Airlines from Toronto City Centre (Island) Airport (TCCA) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) beginning February 28 and scheduled through May 30, 2010. One-way fares start at $179, plus taxes and are available to book now via www.FlyPorter.com.

 

The investment in this service signals a continued, growing interest from Canadian travelers in visiting the Myrtle Beach Area. Though not the first international service the Myrtle Beach area has ever seen, it is the first to arrive in the area in several years. This new growth clearly positions Myrtle Beach as an attractive and accessible destination in the Canadian travel marketplace.

 

“The Canadian travel market is colossal for the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer of MBACC/CVB. “Canadians already have access to Myrtle Beach through non-stop service from Niagara Falls, NY via Direct Air; however Porter’s new international service from Toronto will inspire even more Canadian guests to visit the area through these fast and affordable flights. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Porter and more Canadians to Myrtle Beach.”

 

The lucrative Canadian market is the largest international market in terms of visitation to the U.S. In 2008, South Carolina saw almost a million Canadian visitors, on average spending 7.2 nights in the state; more than 85 percent of Myrtle Beach’s international visitor base is made up of Canadian visitors, with Ontario the destination’s top international market overall. 

 

To tap into the Canadian market in more depth, the MBACC/CVB recently announced the appointment of Kimberly Hartley, President and Executive Director of Travel Solutions by Design (Corp), as the Director of Canada for the Myrtle Beach area.  Kimberly is well-known and respected throughout the travel industry as a leader and expert in destination sales and marketing in Canada.

 

"I am excited to be able to bring the Myrtle Beach Area to the forefront, and promote the destination to retail travel agents and consortiums; tour operators, wholesale and motorcoach companies; meeting, incentive and corporate group planners; as well as the trade and consumer media,” said Hartley, “Canadians know of the Myrtle Beach Area, but they really do not know all about what the area has to offer today's visitor - it is an exciting and fun destination, offering something for everyone!”

 

Flights from Toronto on Porter Airlines begin just a few weeks in advance of the extremely popular Canadian-American Days Festival, which attracts thousands of Canadians to Myrtle Beach each March. The strategic timing of the flight schedule was crucial, as more than 40 percent of Canadian travelers to South Carolina visit in the first quarter of the year. 

 

 

Through its convenience, speed and service standards, Porter excels in bringing simplicity and sophistication to leisure and business travelers. The carrier serves many Canadian markets from Toronto as well as Chicago and New York (Newark) in the U.S. Its new route to Myrtle Beach is the farthest south Porter has ever flown. 

 

 

In July, Horry County, SC, announced plans to continue an airport landing fee incentive program started in 2008, which included the elimination of landing fees on all non-U.S. routes among other incentives for domestic flights into the destination. The program has attracted other important carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air to begin service from key domestic markets like Chicago, IL and Allentown, PA. 

 

“Myrtle Beach has long been recognized as the ultimate golf experience with more ‘Top 100’ golf courses than any other golf destination in the United States,” said Bill Golden, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “Our research tells us that non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach are a critical consideration for golfers because less travel time means more time on the golf course. Toronto has been one of our top golf markets for many years and Porter Airlines will provide a valuable service to the Myrtle Beach area by offering affordable direct flights, for families looking for a beach vacation and for golfers to experience our great courses.”

 

The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce estimates that 6 percent of travelers fly to Myrtle Beach based on 2006 visitor research.  Some 14 million travelers visit the destination each year.

 

The Myrtle Beach area, popularly known as the Grand Strand, stretches from Little River to Pawleys Island, comprising 12 distinct cities along the South Carolina coast. Home to world-class golf, 60 miles of sandy beaches, an assortment of entertainment and family attractions and Southern hospitality, the Myrtle Beach area presents the quintessential vacation experience.

Sally Alfis/Jenny Baragary/Seagren Doran  

M Booth & Associates

212.481.7000

 

Kristen Shamess

Porter Airlines

(416) 619-8529