As Northwestern Pennsylvania moves to expectations that the shelter-in-place restrictions will gradually be lifted from phase red to yellow then to green; VisitErie, Erie’s primary tourism promotion agency, has formed the Erie County Tourism Recovery Task Force. This Task Force has developed and communicated a report that outlines implemented, planned and suggested protocols for the safe reopening of Erie County hospitality businesses. Through this collaborative effort, VisitErie’s goal is to assist in the reopening of the industry in accordance with government regulations to best protect potential visitors and Erie County residents.
Today, VisitErie sent a report to local elected officials detailing safety efforts being taken by organizations in six sectors of Erie’s hospitality industry: Accommodations, Restaurants, Large Attractions, Small Attractions/Retail, Facilities and Transportation. The report includes information on what each sector is doing to ensure readiness to open. The information will also be used to reassure our visitors, sports rights holders and convention planners that Erie County is a safe destination.
As the leader for marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth, VisitErie will continue to communicate the importance of tourism to our regional economy, and convey to potential visitors that Erie is a safe destination, and will be prepared for travelers when it is time to welcome them. VisitErie President/CEO John Oliver remarked, “It’s time to capitalize on our strengths and acknowledge the tremendous impact Erie’s tourism industry brings to our region. Sustaining a high level of health and safety in Erie County is mission critical for us as a destination.”
With the launch of this report, VisitErie will celebrate National Tourism & Travel Week (NTTW) May 3-9, 2020. NTTW is an annual tradition during the first full week of May for the U.S. travel community to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal wellbeing. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Travel”. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the travel industry and the entire economy. The NTTW initiative provides the travel and tourism community an opportunity to come together, support each other and remind our country that even through the most difficult times, the Spirit of Travel cannot be broken. It is the spirit oftravel that makes visitors feel at home, provides lasting memories and inspires millions each and every day.
