Officials say Myrtle Beach penny tax working

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Tourism officials say a penny sales tax to promote tourism in Myrtle Beach continues to pay benefits.

Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Dean told the city county Tuesday that the money has helped the city and the Grand Strand reach new tourism markets around the country. This is the third year the tax has been in effect.

Dean thinks that advertising paid from the tax will generate an estimated $20 million in total revenue for the area. Myrtle Beach is the heart of the state’s $15 billion tourism industry.

Coastal Carolina University tourism researcher Taylor Damonte told council that hospitality tax revenues are up 6 percent this year.