Count me among those that believed the importance of the travel and hospitality industry would finally be recognized as the plague ripped this sector of our economy apart. Thus, count me among those that were scratching their head in disbelief when the hardest hit sectors of our industry (independent businesses) struggle so to find assistance.
But, there are lights appearing on the horizon...highlighted last week by the Governor of New York announcing $450 million in a “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” recovery package to reinvigorate domestic and international tourism as borders reopened. $100 million of the package will go to hospitality workers. $100 million will be dedicated to incentivize employers to bring back staff. There is also money for State and local marketing.
Here in Wisconsin, the Governor just released $15 million for local DMOs saying, “Wisconsin’s tourism industry was one of the first and hardest hit industries of the COVID-19 pandemic, but our local folks at DMOs have been innovative, dedicated and resilient…and it’s because of them that this industry is bouncing back and better.”
Thanks, Tony. Your recognition and respect for the job that DMOs do everyday is refreshing.
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