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How will the COVID-19 shutdown affect Michigan’s tourism bottom line?
Travel directors throughout the state are hoping things will return to normal soon, to try and salvage the 2020 Spring and Summer tourism seasons.
With the Governor’s “Stay Home Stay Safe” Executive Order extended through the end of April, attractions remain closed, and hotels, if still open, remain close to empty.
Restaurants are limited to serving locals with carry-outs or delivery.
Events throughout the state have been cancelled, with no end in sight.
State travel industry leaders remain hopeful the state can bounce back, once the pandemic has subsided and traveling is allowed again, but are also worried about the number of Michigan businesses which have closed up shop for good.
Director of Travel Michigan, Dave Lorenz, estimated half the state’s tourism workforce is either laid off or furloughed right now. Many of those are among the over 800,000 residents who have filed for unemployment since March 21st.
