Avista Resort, a premier oceanfront hotel in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been named a 2025 Best of the Best award winner in the lodging category by the American Bus Association. This recognition carries significant importance for the hospitality industry as it highlights establishments that excel in serving the growing group travel market, which represents a substantial economic driver for tourism destinations nationwide.
The prestigious award, presented by Destinations magazine—the official publication of the ABA—recognizes travel industry partners across North America that deliver exceptional service, hospitality, and group travel experiences. Each year, the Best of the Best awards honor top-rated hotels, attractions, and destinations that go above and beyond to serve motorcoach groups and the group travel industry at large. Avista Resort was selected for its continued excellence in welcoming tour operators, motorcoach travelers, and group planners with outstanding accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service.
This award matters because it signals to travelers and industry professionals which properties consistently meet the specialized needs of group travel. For tour operators planning itineraries and group organizers coordinating events, such recognition provides assurance of quality and reliability. The motorcoach industry represents billions of dollars in economic impact annually, and properties that cater effectively to this market contribute significantly to local and regional tourism economies.
Kim Lewis, Director of Sales at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, expressed the resort's appreciation for the honor. We're so honored to be recognized by the American Bus Association as one of the Best of the Best in Lodging for 2025. This award means a lot to us because it comes from our peers and the tour groups who've chosen to stay with us year after year. It's a wonderful reflection of the care and dedication our entire Avista team puts into making every guest feel welcome.
Located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, Avista Resort offers condo-style accommodations with full kitchens and private balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, and on-site dining at Just Off Main. With group-friendly spaces, ample motorcoach parking, and a location minutes from top area attractions, the resort has become a trusted destination for group tours, reunions, retreats, and special events. The property's recognition by the ABA validates its strategic focus on accommodating larger travel parties effectively.
The implications of this award extend beyond the resort itself, potentially influencing how other hospitality providers approach group travel services. As the tourism industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, properties that demonstrate excellence in serving organized travel groups position themselves for sustained success. The American Bus Association serves as the leading trade organization for the motorcoach, group travel, and tourism industry in North America, making their recognition particularly meaningful within the travel sector. More information about the organization can be found at https://www.buses.org.
Avista Resort is also deeply committed to giving back, collaborating with local nonprofit organizations across South Carolina to support meaningful community initiatives. This additional dimension of social responsibility enhances the resort's appeal to group travelers who increasingly value properties that contribute positively to their host communities. The combination of excellent accommodations, group-friendly amenities, and community engagement creates a compelling value proposition for tour operators and group planners seeking destinations that deliver comprehensive hospitality experiences.
