Miley Movie Helps Tybee Tourism

The tough economic times have had many of us watching where we spend our money.  Many aren’t taking the vacations they used to take, instead we may go to the beach for the day.

Hundreds have been heading to Tybee Island to watch Miley Cyrus’ new movie, “The Last Song,” being filmed and they’re not just staying for a few hours.

As News 3’s Randi Hempel explains, the movie has the Tybee Island hotel industry singing a different tune.

Natalie Gordon, owner and general manager of the Atlantis Inn on Tybee Island’s south end, is glad the customers are coming in.

“The year started out slow.  We were all worried about the recession.  It has been a scare of tourism down here.  March started kicking in though because spring breakers come, Easter, so it kind of held it’s own,“ says Natalie Gordon, Owner of the Atlantis Inn.

And then, Disney film crews came to Tybee with Miley Cyrus, starring in the movie, “The Last Song”

“I’m thrilled, Disney has been fabulous.  They come around; let us know what’s going on.  It’s helped business without being too chaotic.  Our numbers are up.  Reservations are up.  Everybody is calling still for the 4th of July,“ says Gordon.

Gordon says some call, wondering if they can still get to or go to the beach.  That answer is yes.

“You can still come down and enjoy the beach.  Enjoy seeing the movie being filmed.  Traffic is not any worse than it ever has been in the summer.  We all get filled up, we all see traffic jams, but I do feel like the movie is contributing to a good positive summer. People are having fun with it,“ continues Gordon.

Gordon is on the board of tourism for Tybee Island.  She says they have a small budget, so what Disney, Miley Cyrus and The Last Song are doing for Tybee Island is huge.  It’s something money can’t buy.

“This movie is doing it.  Everybody can, will see this when it comes out next year.  They’re going to know what Tybee Island, GA is about.  They’re gonna see our little island.  They’re gonna want to visit and we want them to,” she says.

Gordon and many others I’ve spoken to expect more people to come visit Tybee Island once the movie is released next year, after people see just how quaint and beautiful of a place it truly is.

Of course, they’re encouraging everyone to come out to enjoy the beach, restaurants and more.