The coronavirus pandemic has been rough on businesses. Shutdowns, occupancy restrictions and reduced travel have forced many businesses, especially in resort towns, to scramble to survive.
Vail businesses have kept the customer experience top of mind and faced the pandemic with innovation, passion and determination.
“Businesses are getting creative, their employees are leaning in and helping in ways they never did before and we are all very grateful that our guests see Vail as a desirable place to visit where their safety is put first,” said Alison Wadey, the executive director of the Vail Chamber and Business Association.
The VCBA has partnered with the town of Vail to help create and implement its own creative COVID-19 relief business initiatives, which includes sales tax deferral at the beginning of the pandemic and through last summer, a rent relief program, public consumption areas, coordinated tent and expanded premises, the shoulder season gift card program, the PrimaVail service program which was altered to incorporate customer service changes during a pandemic, and the most recent Workcation Lodging Incentive to Front Range visitors. All of these efforts help the customers create an affinity for businesses because they know that they care.