By MBTP News Staff | November 04, 2020 at 4:10 PM EST

Horry County, S.C. – The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has named Myrtle Beach Travel Park, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, its Park of the Year during the virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), held November 2-5.

Myrtle Beach Travel Park received the Park of the Year Award in the ‘Mega Park’ category.

The Park of the Year Awards are a signature part of ARVC’s Awards of Excellence, which are presented annually to the standout parks and individuals in the outdoor hospitality industry.

“The parks that receive the Park of the Year honor are at the pinnacle of the industry,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of ARVC. “These parks are not only wonderful destinations with fantastic amenities, but more importantly the owners and staff at these parks continually provide over-the-top customer service. Even in a difficult year, these parks still found a way to go above and beyond in efforts, by providing world-class amenities, experiences and customer service!”

“Despite its impressive size, our Mega Park of the Year still manages to embrace camping culture and create a small community feel,” said Bambei. “As one judge said, this is a ‘Mega Park with a mom-and-pop ethic for your guests, campers and community.’”

Guests have reported being especially impressed with the park’s natural beauty, amenities, and activities. Judges appreciated the industry-leading marketing, disaster planning, and sanitation efforts; especially the face of a challenging year.

The year 2020 marks Myrtle Beach Travel Park’s 50th anniversary of operation. Opening in 1970, initially, as a franchisee operating under the name Holiday Inn Travel Park; by 1980, the owners discontinued the franchise, and became known as Myrtle Beach Travel Park.

One of the owners of Myrtle Beach Travel Park, Tamsley Seaborn, virtually accepted this award on Wednesday. “I would like to thank all of the campers and families that give Myrtle Beach Travel Park the opportunity to host them,” Seaborn said. “We are proud to host third and fourth generation campers. We thank all of our campers for the years of support they have given us.”

Myrtle Beach Travel Park was just one of many campgrounds in the running for this award. “We are humbled and feel that this is such a fitting time for us to receive this honor, during the year of our 50th anniversary,” said Seaborn. “If only my grandfather, Edward Burroughs, could see what his forethought has brought to fruition. I know he would be so proud. This award is appreciated, and humbly accepted, and will be cherished for years to come.”

ARVC awards “Park of the Year” in four categories: small, medium, large, and mega. Judges make their decision based on a number of criteria: guest experiences, all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service, and industry involvement.

The OHCE is an annual multi-day event hosted by ARVC. This year’s event was held virtually, due to COVID-19. It includes dozens of seminars, virtual vendor booths, and ARVC’s Awards ceremonies.

The ARVC Park of the Year commendation joins a number of other awards Myrtle Beach Travel Park has received in 2020. Including: Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2020, WMBF News’ Best of the Grand Strand 2020, The Sun News’ Best of the Beach 2020.