Hospitality industry braces for economic boost from Myrtle Beach Bowl game – WPDE

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Economic Impact and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Myrtle Beach Bowl, held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, continues to generate significant economic benefits for the local community despite Coastal Carolina University (CCU) not participating this year. This report highlights the event’s economic impact and its alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to economic growth, sustainable cities, and community well-being.

Economic Impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl

Stuart Butler, president of Visit Myrtle Beach, provided insights into the economic implications of the event. Although the absence of a local team may reduce the number of traveling visitors, the presence of competing teams Kennesaw State and Western Michigan ensures substantial economic activity.

1. Estimated Economic Impact: The event is projected to generate between $3 million and $5 million in economic benefits for the Myrtle Beach area.
2. Visitor Attendance: The Myrtle Beach Bowl typically attracts around 10,000 attendees, with expectations of similar or higher numbers this year.
3. Off-Season Economic Support: The bowl game occurs during a traditionally slower period for the Grand Strand region, providing vital support to the hospitality sector.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The Myrtle Beach Bowl supports several SDGs through its economic and social impacts:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • The event stimulates local economic growth by increasing demand for accommodation, dining, and related services.
  • It supports employment opportunities in the hospitality and service industries during the off-season.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • By attracting visitors and promoting local tourism, the bowl contributes to the sustainable development of Myrtle Beach as a vibrant community.
  • Sports events like the Myrtle Beach Bowl help diversify the local economy, enhancing community resilience.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Sports events encourage community engagement and promote healthy lifestyles.

Importance of Sports Events for Local Hospitality

According to Stuart Butler, sports events have been instrumental in developing Myrtle Beach’s off-season economy. The continuous flow of visitors during these events keeps restaurants, hotels, and other businesses active, contributing to the overall economic stability of the region.

“Sports has certainly helped us develop our off season,” Butler stated, emphasizing the role of sports in sustaining local businesses.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, January 19
• Location: Teal turf field in Myrtle Beach
• Competing Teams: Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan

Conclusion

The Myrtle Beach Bowl remains a critical event for the local economy, supporting sustainable economic growth and community well-being in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Its continued success highlights the importance of sports tourism as a driver for economic diversification and sustainable development in Myrtle Beach.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses the economic benefits brought by the Myrtle Beach Bowl, including estimated economic impact and sustaining the local hospitality industry.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article highlights the role of sports events in supporting the local community and economy, especially during off-season periods.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Economic Impact Measurement
   • The article estimates the economic impact of the event to be between $3 million and $5 million, which can be used as an indicator of local economic growth and tourism revenue.
2. Attendance Numbers
   • The Myrtle Beach Bowl typically attracts around 10,000 attendees, which serves as an indicator of event popularity and its potential economic and social impact.
3. Hospitality Industry Activity
   • References to hotel and restaurant occupancy during the off-season imply indicators related to employment rates, business revenues, and occupancy rates in the hospitality sector.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wpde.com