MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 3, 2026 - An increase in tourists visiting Myrtle Beach is paralleling an increase in the number of lockout incidents at hotels, short term rental properties and vehicles, according to local service providers who responded to emergency access calls along the Grand Strand.
According to data from the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau; the Myrtle Beach Area had over 18 million visitors in 2024, which makes it one of the most visited coastal tourist destinations in the Southeastern part of the U.S. The increase in the number of tourists visiting the Myrtle Beach area has led to an increase in the number of people utilizing lodging access systems, short-term rental properties, and parking lots within the area.
Locksmiths in the Myrtle Beach area report that lockout incidents occur more frequently during the peak travel season, specifically during evening and nighttime hours, when travelers may be less familiar with rental properties, electronic locks, and assistance options available in the area.
"During our peak tourism periods, we see a significant increase in access related issues," stated a representative from My Locksmith Pro, a local locksmith service located in Myrtle Beach. "We are seeing many tourists who get locked out of their hotel room, short-term rental unit, or vehicle while they are in an unfamiliar location, sometimes late at night."
Industry professionals state that a rising percentage of access failure incidents are occurring at short-term rental properties. Many common reasons for short-term rental property access failures include low battery power in smart locks, malfunctioning keypads, electronic access failures, and improperly re-keyed doors between guest visits. Additionally, a higher frequency of vehicle lockouts are being reported due to electronic fob failures in keyless entry systems caused by excessive heat or accidental locking of the vehicle.
Myrtle Beach's tourism-based economy consists of thousands of hotels, condominiums and vacation rentals, all of which utilize electronic and/or mechanical access systems designed for heavy guest turnover. Due to the increasing occupancy rates in this type of environment, the access systems are subjected to more stress and more exposure to coastal humidity, salt air, and repetitive use.
"The problem we are seeing is that many of our customers assume the access systems will operate like the ones they have at their home," the representative from My Locksmith Pro stated. "In the high-density rental environment we see many more access system failures occurring during the peak occupancy times."
Public safety officials point out that most lockout incidents resolve themselves without incident, but can develop into difficult or hazardous situations for families, seniors, or others who find themselves outside of an unfamiliar rental property or parking lot, especially at night.
Industry and Market Overview
Coastal tourism markets throughout the U.S. that rely heavily on short-term rentals and electronic lock systems are experiencing similar access related challenges. Service professionals indicate that high utilization rates, environmental conditions, and inconsistent maintenance practices lead to a higher rate of access failures during peak travel periods.
The experiences of Myrtle Beach reflect a broader trend impacting vacation destinations across the country, where visitor volume, rental property turnover, and dependency on electronic access technology converge.
About My Locksmith Pro
My Locksmith Pro is a locksmith service company that provides residential, commercial, and automotive access services throughout the Grand Strand area of South Carolina.
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