There’s nothing like January’s bitter cold and snow to make people start planning that getaway to the beach. So Grand Strand tourism promoters are trying to make sure they plan a trip here.

They’ve flooded TV markets for the past three weeks with spots plugging the Strand’s beaches and seaside dining. Ads are appearing on 500 stations, including the Travel Channel, in 15 states.

• More than 15,000 people have called the chamber asking for information, and the Web site, www.visitmyrtlebeach.com, has logged 50,000 user sessions.

• Visitors to the site clicked most frequently on shopping, dining and theaters.

Promoters are hoping that interest will translate into more tourists this summer. More than half of those who expressed interest, 62 percent, said they were likely to visit this year. About a third of them, 33 percent, said they were considering Myrtle Beach along with several other destinations.

Promoters have thrown in a little extra to sweeten the deal including:

• Air ticket discounts in markets getting new air service to Myrtle Beach

• A $25 gas discount for drivers who stay at participating hotels for at least three nights. About 6,000 travelers have cashed in on the gas discount by booking rooms.

Source: Dawn Bryant, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC