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This week is National Tourism and Travel Week. During this period of staying home, the travel industry is suffering a devastating loss. In a vacation destination like Charleston, this is particularly concerning – in 2019, the tourism industry accounted for a $9.67 billion impact on the regional economy.
It’s still too soon to tell exactly how much the pandemic will affect tourism in the coming months, but here’s what we know so far:
○ Between March 29 and April 4 – what’s usually a popular time to visit the Holy City – the average occupancy rate of Charleston County’s hotels dropped to below 17%.
○ Researchers at the College of Charleston estimate the regional tourism sector lost $1 billion in the first two months of the pandemic alone.
○ Approximately 25,000 people working in the local tourism industry (almost 70% of workers in that sector) have lost their jobs – an unprecedented level of unemployment.
While the tourism sector is by no means alone in its suffering – this crisis is making an impact on all areas of our community – in honor of National Tourism and Travel Week, we want to challenge our readers to support our fellow Charlestonians working in that industry in whatever way they can.
This could be an act as simple as grabbing takeout from your favorite restaurant, or shopping locally for a small gift for a friend (or frontline worker). It could also mean planning that staycation you’ve always dreamed about; booking a stay at a local hotel or buying tickets or gift cards for a local tour or attraction.
Whatever you opt to do, make sure to share it with us by using #CHStoday on social media to spread your positive message.