Meeting News - April 20, 2009 - (Page 36)

Destination Insider: Myrtle Beach, SC By Rayna Katz rayna.katz@nielsen.com Reinforcements Come to Grand Strand From the airport to science venues, new infrastructure bolsters the golf mecca Meeting planners and attendees alike will soon find improvements to the infrastructure of venues, attractions, and amenities in Myrtle Beach. Construction is slated to start next year at Myrtle Beach International Airport on a $130 million addition to the passenger terminal that will boost the size of the facility from seven to 12 gates. Also at the airport, a $4.5 million general improvement project is under way and slated for completion this fall. Meanwhile, new air service is available at the terminal. Spirit Airlines has started nonstop, daily service to the Grand Strand from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The service will be offered seasonally, from March 1 to Nov. 11. Hotels and golf courses haven’t been idle when it comes to upgrades. The Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation is finishing up a renovation of its 1,100 guest rooms, following an upgrade of its public spaces; Coral Beach Resort & Suites is opening a water park this year. Pine Lakes Country Club just finished restoring its golf course and clubhouse, in a multimillion-dollar project that began in 2006. Pine Lakes closed then to restore the course and clubhouse to its 1927 glory days, when it was a highly desired vacation spot for wealthy families. Nationally recognized golf-course restoration architect Craig Schreiner, who spearheaded the project, was committed to restoring Pine Lakes to the original course designs, with many improvements to enhance playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels. And another reason for groups to go to the destination is on tap. A hands-on science attraction, called WonderWorks, is scheduled to open in 2010. Details of the project, now under construction, are being finalized, but the 35,000- to 40,000-sf facility will simulate what it’s like to be in an earthquake or a hurricane, fly a NASA Space Shuttle or a fighter jet, or ride a rollercoaster. Located at the site of another attraction, Broadway at the Beach, WonderWorks will also feature “peculiar yet whimsical sights,” such as an upside-down building, a volcano, a lighthouse, and an Egyptian pyramid. H You play, we pay. Book your next event through the Myrtle Beach Area CVB before June 30, 2009 and receive FREE admission for your entire group to gaming cruise, or an evening at one of our exciting live theatres. For details VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups or call 866.942.4159 Brookgreen Gardens SunCruz Casino Boat Medieval Times Alabama Theatre Legends in Concert The Carolina Opry 36 MeetingNews April 20, 2009 www.meetingnews.com http://www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups http://www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups http://www.meetingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Meeting News - April 20, 2009

Meeting News - April 20, 2009
Contents
What’s Up in the MeetingNews Community
Inside the Industry
People Making News
Thirty Under 30
Hotels & Resorts
Chef Talk
Convention Centers
International
Destinations: Caribbean
Destinations: Kansas City, MO
Green Beat
Destinations: New Jersey
Destinations: Myrtle Beach, SC
Live from the Forum

Meeting News - April 20, 2009