Leisure Time Unlimited Inc

Leisure Time Unlimited Inc, located at 708 Main St in Myrtle Beach, presents a complex and dual-faceted identity to the public. While categorized as a travel agency, a deep dive into its operations, customer feedback, and online presence reveals a business primarily focused on the creation and management of large-scale public expositions and craft shows. This distinction is critical for any potential client to understand, as the services offered align more closely with those of a high-level event promoter than a traditional trip planner. The company has carved out a significant niche in the regional market, but its public reputation is sharply divided, reflecting vastly different experiences depending on whether one is an attendee or a commercial vendor.

A Leader in Event Promotion and Management

The most prominent and widely praised aspect of Leisure Time Unlimited Inc is its role as an organizer of major annual events, most notably the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals. This event, in particular, is frequently cited in positive reviews as a hallmark of the company's capability. Patrons and participants describe these shows as exceptionally well-organized, efficiently run, and heavily attended. The company, led by its central figure, Myra Starnes, is commended for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication. For decades, these events have become staples in the Myrtle Beach area, contributing significantly to local tourism by drawing in large crowds and creating a vibrant marketplace for artisans and craftspeople. In this capacity, Leisure Time Unlimited Inc functions as a powerful force in destination management, creating compelling reasons for people to travel to the area.

Further testament to their commitment is the praise received for their resilience, particularly for continuing to host shows during challenging economic periods when many other events were canceled. This provided a crucial lifeline for vendors who depend on such shows for their livelihood, an act that garnered significant goodwill and loyalty from a segment of their exhibitor base. For consumers, the company consistently delivers large, engaging, and professionally managed events that are considered highlights of the local calendar. This success in event management is the cornerstone of their positive reputation and demonstrates a clear expertise in this specialized field of tourism services.

Significant Concerns from the Vendor Community

In stark contrast to the positive feedback from event attendees, there is a substantial and recurring pattern of negative experiences reported by business owners and exhibitors who have worked with the company. These are not minor grievances; they are serious allegations that paint a picture of a difficult and sometimes hostile business environment. A primary complaint revolves around alleged breaches of contract. Multiple vendors have claimed that the management fails to enforce exclusivity clauses or other contractual promises made to them, allowing other exhibitors to sell competing products, thereby diluting their market and breaking the terms of their agreement.

When these issues are raised, vendors report encountering a highly unprofessional and dismissive attitude from the company's leadership. Reviews frequently mention being yelled at, treated with disrespect, and having their concerns ignored. One former exhibitor described their interaction as the "worst encounter" they have ever experienced in a career of participating in shows across the country, citing misrepresentation of the event's clientele and a failure to perform contract obligations. This sentiment is echoed by others who caution potential exhibitors to be wary before entering into a business relationship. These repeated complaints suggest a systemic issue in vendor relations that directly contradicts the image of a detail-oriented and dedicated organizer. For any artisan or business considering participation in their shows, these reports represent a significant potential risk that must be carefully weighed.

Is This a Travel Agency for the Everyday Traveler?

Given its official business classification, a potential customer might approach Leisure Time Unlimited Inc seeking assistance with trip planning or booking vacation packages. However, based on all available public information, including the company's own website, this does not appear to be their line of business. The website is exclusively dedicated to promoting their art and craft shows. There is no mention of services typically offered by a travel consultant, such as:

• Booking flights or accommodations for individual or family travel.
• Organizing cruises or all-inclusive resort stays.
• Creating customized itineraries or holiday packages.

The term travel agency in their case seems to be either a legacy classification or a broad interpretation of their role in generating travel to their events. It's plausible that they engage in arranging group travel for bus tours or organizations planning to attend their shows, acting as a specialized tour operator for their own events. However, this is speculative, as they do not advertise such services to the general public. Therefore, an individual or family looking for a personal travel agent to plan a vacation to Myrtle Beach or elsewhere would likely find that Leisure Time Unlimited Inc is not equipped to meet their needs. Their expertise is not in personal travel logistics but in the mass-market promotion of their own large-scale commercial events.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Businesses

In summary, Leisure Time Unlimited Inc operates as a highly successful, albeit controversial, event promotion company under the guise of a travel agency. For the general public and event-goers, the company delivers well-organized, large-scale shows that are a highlight of the regional calendar. Their events are a significant driver of tourism and provide a valuable platform for entertainment and commerce. However, for the vendors and exhibitors who are the lifeblood of these shows, the experience can be fraught with challenges. The consistent negative feedback regarding contract disputes and unprofessional communication from management presents a serious red flag for potential business partners. For the traveler seeking personal vacation planning, the company's focus lies elsewhere. The key to a successful interaction with Leisure Time Unlimited Inc is understanding precisely which service you are seeking: if you are an attendee, you can expect a quality event. If you are a vendor, you must proceed with caution. If you are a traveler looking to book a trip, you should direct your search to a different kind of agency.