Beach-Memorial Day

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) _ Researchers at Coastal Carolina University are forecasting a solid start to the summer season along South Carolina’s Grand Strand during the Memorial Day weekend. The researchers estimate that average occupancy at its sample of vacation lodgings in the Myrtle Beach area could reach about 99 percent on Saturday night. Occupancy on Friday and Sunday nights is expected to be around 80 percent. The research is based on a sample of 29 lodgings and campgrounds in the area. Meanwhile, a survey of 338 vacation rental websites shows that occupancy through the end of next week should be around 77 percent, down about 3 percent from the same week a year ago. Myrtle Beach is the heart of South Carolina’s $15 billion tourism industry.