Tourism wants reopening plan by state officials
Ron DeBrock, ronald.debrock@thetelegraph.com
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of5
The half-moon shines high over the Clark Bridge and the calm waters of the Alton Marina last summer. Tourism advocates in Illinois this week called upon the state to create a plan for post-pandemic recovery for hotels, attractions and restaurants. Show MoreShow Less
2of5
5of5
MARYVILLE Officials from the hotel, restaurant and convention industries told a state Senate panel Thursday that they need a clear plan for how they will be allowed to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes.
Without a plan, they said, many will go out of business permanently.
Tourism CEO sees brights spots in pandemic-stricken industry
Scott Marion, smarion@hearst.com
FacebookTwitterEmail
JobeFor The Intelligencer
ALTON The hotel industry has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recovery process may take several years.
Locally, though, there are signs that the turnaround will at least begin in 2021.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association recently released its State of the Hotel Industry 2021 report, examining the economics of recovery after the industry experienced its worst year on record in 2020. The disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic resulted in historically low room occupancy, massive job losses and hotel closures across the nation.
By Doug Jenkins - WBGZ Radio
The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau held it’s annual Tourism Summit virtually on Thursday. The event hilighted a so-called roadmap to recovery, pointing out expectations of a rebound once the pandemic is less of a concern with vaccinations now being rolled out.
Tourism Bureau President and CEO Cory Jobe tells The Big Z across the country, nearly 5 million jobs have been lost since March, thousands of small businesses have shuttered, and tourism revenue losses are in the billions.
Click here for Jobe s comments
Presented with Hometown Awards during the event were: 222 Artisan Bakery, Edwardsville; Morrison’s Irish Pub, Alton; Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, Collinsville; Sammi’s Sandwiches, Alton; Goshen Coffee, Edwardsville; and Bluestem Vodka, Bethalto. Game Changer Awards to organizations and businesses who created unique ways to experience the region during COVID. Honored were: Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton; Collinsville Parks an
Riverbend tourism expects robust comeback
The Telegraph
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of3
This photo from April shows one of the owners of Morrison’s Irish Pub, at the corner of West Broadway and State Street in Alton, stocking an honor system food pantry in front of the restaurant and bar. The business was one of six recipients of Hometown Hero Awards presented Thursday during the Great Rivers & Routes’ virtual Tourism Summit. Show MoreShow Less
2of3
3of3
ALTON The road to the Riverbend’s economic and tourism recovery will be paved with the survival of small businesses and the return of visitors seeking a safe road trip destination, according to the message delivered during the in the Great Rivers & Routes’ annual Tourism Summit on Thursday held virtually on YouTube.
Promoting Riverbend tourism starts with a visit
Cory Jobe
FacebookTwitterEmail
As we turn the calendar to 2021 and try and forget the year that was, I am reminded of the good that is happening all around us. It really is the people, businesses, places, and events that make our region so unique for local residents and visitors alike to enjoy and appreciate.
When planning for our recovery, a new economic engine must be embraced and used to boldly greet the challenges of our future in southwest Illinois. With our abundance of natural wonders along the Mississippi River, the unique stories of the road and charm of Route 66, the bounty of recreational establishments– indoor and outdoor-, the talents of our local makers, and the treasure trove of history just waiting to be explored, tourism is that new economic engine!