Mayor: Jimmy Buffett could revive MB tourism in May

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The absence of bikers made for a quiet start to the summer tourism season in Myrtle Beach, but Mayor John Rhodes says there's a possibility Jimmy Buffett and the Parrotheads could help bring back May.

While details remain limited, Rhodes says he has been working on a week-long musical event during the Harley Davidson Bike Week that could attract thousands of Parrotheads to Myrtle Beach.

The mayor admits he's seen a drop in business following a crackdown on the motorcycle events, and hopes this is just the trick to bring people back to the beach.

Rhodes says Margaritaville at Broadway at the Beach, a restaurant inspired by Buffett's hit song, is one of the most successful establishments in the area. The restaurant chain, combined with all the Grand Strand has to offer, are two selling points Rhodes hopes to highlight when luring Buffett and the Parrotheads into the Grand Strand.

"Jimmy Buffett does what Jimmy Buffett wants to do, so we feel like if we can convince him that this is a place to be, he can be a big asset for our community and help kick-off that week in May," the mayor added.

Rhodes, however, isn't the only one excited about Buffett's potential arrival next May.

"Jimmy Buffett right here in Myrtle Beach - that's what it's about," said James Littleton, when WMBF News asked his opinion on the potential event. "It goes hand in hand."

Should a Parrothead Week be established in Myrtle Beach, Rhodes says it has the potential to bring in thousands of tourists and millions of dollars into the Grand Strand economy.

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