OTA DIRECTOR MELINDA HUNTLEY ADDRESSES INDUSTRY CHALLENGES IN COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Here is the full article submitted, part of which was printed Saturday, Aug. 29:
Recent news articles describe how sales are good at some Ohio outdoor-related businesses. We are grateful there are pockets of the state where businesses are doing well, but these pockets are the only thing intact in a coat that is shredded and falling apart at the seams.
As of Aug. 15, Ohio’s travel economy has lost $8.8 billion in travel spending, according to year-over-year data compiled by Tourism Economics. When we take to the road, even if it’s just a weekend jaunt or a day trip, we spend money. When we travel for business or attend a conference, we spend money. These dollars support jobs in hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions, theatres, retail shops, gas stations and dozens of other businesses.
While Ohio’s overall unemployment numbers may be in the single-digits, nearly 147,000 Ohioans who depend on jobs from travel-related businesses are out of work. July’s unemployment report shows more than one out of four employees within this industry are unemployed. Those working in the arts, entertainment and recreation are experiencing a whopping 38% unemployment rate in Ohio, while those employed in accommodations and food services are at 24% unemployment.
It’s not just travel-related jobs that are at risk.
The ripple-effect of these losses will be devastating. Less revenue means these businesses will have fewer dollars to spend on goods and services to operate. According to a report distributed by TourismOhio, these travel-dependent businesses spent $10.3 billion last year to support finance, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, construction and every other Ohio industry.
Fewer travelers and less spending also means less tax dollars for public services – support for education, roads, fire and police protection, libraries and other social services. To date, taxes paid by travelers are down $258 million in state receipts and $154 million in local government receipts.
Let’s be very clear. The losses will continue.
There are still Ohio businesses who are not permitted to open, including performing arts venues. Most of the businesses supported by travel that are open are operating at drastically reduced capacity. Meetings and conventions are capped at 300 persons regardless of venue size, and most events are at a standstill. Businesses that are open are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet given fewer customers and limited capacity.
As a large percentage of leisure travel-related sales occur in the summer months, we will see additional furloughs and layoffs this winter as businesses are not able to make payroll.
We applaud the Governor for his efforts to curb the coronavirus spread. Getting control of the virus is absolutely essential for getting our people back to work. As the hardest hit of any Ohio industry, however, the Ohio travel industry and its workers desperately need help. Industry-specific relief is needed at all levels, including what you can do.
Support your local hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, theatres, retailers, wineries and breweries any way you can. If you aren’t comfortable visiting in person, order online, purchase a membership or consider making a donation.
And please wear a mask so these Ohio businesses can stay open.
Melinda Huntley, Executive Director, Ohio Travel Association
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