Complete Story
05/29/2020
Weekly Updates for Ohio's Travel Economy, May 29
Reopening Dates and Guidance Update
OHIO’S MUSEUMS, CAVERNS, ZOOS AND MANY OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO HEAR REOPENING NEWS NEXT WEEK
Based on what has been opened thus far, and now with fairs being addressed, we share your frustrations with the lack of guidance for Ohio’s many travel-related businesses that remain closed. This week, when asked about opening of zoos, amusement parks and others, Governor DeWine said he will attempt to address the openings next week.
He said he has had conversations with sports teams and others related to large-scale spectator sports, but not in recent weeks.
The Ohio Travel Association has worked every day to get our businesses the answers they need for opening. We are reaching out to statewide media; boosting social media messages; and contacting the Governor, the Lt. Governor and legislators on a daily basis.
Yesterday, we asked you to contact the Governor’s office to tell your story. The response has been overwhelming, and we hope the extreme importance of addressing reopening dates early next week is becoming clear.
If you have not already contacted the Governor on why announcing reopening dates early next week is important for your business, your employees and your community, please do so now.
If you have already done so, thank you!
Consider sharing the link with your Ohio vendors who are also experiencing lost revenue because many Ohio travel businesses remain shuttered.
FAIRS PERMITTED TO PROCEED WITH LOCAL APPROVAL
Governor DeWine said decisions on county and independent fairs will need to be made in collaboration with local public health departments. View county fair guidelines here.
NEW GUIDELINES RELEASED
New guidelines for various activities pop up frequently. Here are the latest. To access all guidelines released thus far, please visit here.
Canoe liveries and recreational paddling
Local pools, public pools and aquatic centers
Restaurants, bars, and banquet/catering facilities
Ohio Travel Economy Hardest Hit in the State
OHIO HAS LOST 51% OF ITS LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY JOBS
Ohio’s leisure and hospitality job losses represent a third of all jobs lost in Ohio since April 2019 with 289,100 jobs lost. This represents 42% of service jobs lost including those in leisure and hospitality, trade and utilities, professional and business services, educational and health services, financial activities and information services.
Research Updates
TRAVEL SENTIMENT SURVEY: AMERICAN TRAVELERS PLANNING THEIR FIRST TRIPS SINCE THE PANDEMIC (View full Longwoods International study here)
- Almost half of American travelers (48%) are planning their first trip since the pandemic between now and July 4th. (Road trips to visit friends and family are the most popular.)
- Conversely, 52% of Americans do not plan to travel before July 4th.
- Americans are also still very divided about welcoming visitors back – 36% in favor and 33% against…
- More travelers are continuing to change their plans from fly to drive vacations/getaways
