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COVID-19 Update 4.02.2020 |
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COVID-19 Update from Explore Georgia
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All of us who make up Georgia’s tourism and hospitality industries are navigating the impact COVID-19 is having on our destinations, businesses, and personal lives. Especially during these uncertain times, we want to be a steady hand and a means of support for you. As a reminder, you can access all the information and resources on COVID-19 on the Explore Georgia Tourism Industry Portal, or by clicking here.
While all of our paid media remains paused, last week we began posting on social media, adding new content to our website, and pitching media that have secured placements like this one, with all messaging focused on encouraging everyone to “Explore Georgia From Home.”
For now, we will continue to share content that encourages social distancing and good news stories from across Georgia. As you see more content in the coming weeks, we hope you will follow along and share your destination’s stories by using #ExploreGeorgiafromHome. If you have a good news story or a virtual way to explore, please pass it along to Parker, our social media manager, at pwhidby@georgia.org.
Even though our messaging to visitors has evolved, we remain focused on sharing Georgia's inspiring people, destinations, and experiences with the world. We are all in this together, and through our united efforts we can all do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Then, when the time is right, our industry will begin welcoming travelers to explore our beautiful state once again.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Cheryl or Sarah Anne on our Industry and Partner Relations team at PartnerInfo@Georgia.org, or any member of the Explore Georgia team.
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CARES Act
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The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act (H.R. 748), was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion legislation represents phase 3 of relief intended to provide immediate assistance for the travel workforce and businesses of all sizes. There are six key components relevant to Georgia’s tourism industry (including 501c nonprofit organizations, small businesses, airports, and/or sole proprietor/independent contractors):
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Interruption Loans (Paycheck Protection Program)
- SBA Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- SBA Express Loans
- Emergency Stabilization Fund (through the Federal Reserve facilities and programs)
- Economic Relief for Airports and Tourism
- Business Tax Provisions
The U.S. Travel Association has created detailed documents that outline important and relevant pieces of information for the travel industry within the CARES Act. You can view the details of the bill and your eligibility for aid here, or use the guide to navigate which part of the CARES Act applies to your organization.
Additional resources or assistance related to the CARES Act are available through these organizations:
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce created a small business guide with everything you need to know about how to apply for relief under the CARES Act, including eligibility, requirements and application guidelines. Download it here.
- The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship has prepared The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act to outline specific options for assistance.
- Georgia’s Small Business Development Centers can serve as your first point of assistance with SBA loan applications for the CARES Act. Contact them to help understand and navigate the options available – whether you are a nonprofit (501 c), small business (under 500 employees) or sole proprietor/independent contractor.
- The Georgia Center for Nonprofits is providing assistance to non-profit organizations seeking assistance filling out SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster loans.
Additional resources, links to specific industry sector information, related research reports and articles are available on the Explore Georgia Tourism Industry Portal.
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Economic Impact Analysis from Tourism Economics
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New analysis by Tourism Economics shows a week-by-week outlook on travel spending in the U.S. The analysis also looks at regional and state-by-state breakdown. See the full report.
- National weekly travel spending dropped to $7.7 billion last week, down from $19.8 billion during the first week of March.
- This equates to a $14 billion loss in travel spending last week alone (when compared to the same period in 2019).
- As expected, percentage declines were most severe in the Northeast and West but were significant (59% or more) in all regions.
- The Northeast suffered a 72% decline in year-over-year travel spending last week, and New York state suffered a 77% decline (higher than any other state).
- Through March 21, travel spending losses for the month totaled $23 billion.
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Businesses That Can Help Georgia Fight COVID-19
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| The Georgia Department of Economic Development is leading the state’s charge to identify manufacturers and distributors across Georgia that can produce, distribute, or store critical health care supplies that are already limited in supply or may become scarce in the weeks ahead. The team is also looking for facilities that can be repurposed for the production of these vital products. Please share the link https://www.georgia.org/covid19response with anyone who may be able to help.
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Resource Roundup
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Below is a list of recent research reports and webinars concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry that we’ve found helpful and informative. A complete and up-to-date Resource Roundup list can be found on the COVID-19 information page on the Explore Georgia Tourism Industry Portal.
Research:
Webinars:
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U.S. Travel Association: CARES Act. Access the full recording or slides.
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Tourism Economics and Destinations International: “Using the Event Impact Calculator for Calculating Lost Business.” Watch replay here.
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This page is part of the electronic travel newsletter program brought to you by Georgia Department of Economic Development, 75 Fifth Street N.W., Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308 © 2020, GDEcD. All Rights Reserved. All other marks belong to their respective owners. All materials Copyright © 2020 by ExploreGeorgia.org
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