Priorities for Government and DMOs

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND DMOS

When asked what should be the priority of local government (and DMOs) right now, supporting businesses was the top response according to a Longwoods International survey of American travelers.

• Helping businesses hit hardest by the pandemic to reopen and recover (48%)
• Supporting the growth of locally-owned businesses (44%)
• Creating reasons to visit during off-season, creating economic opportunities for local businesses year-round (22%)
• Investing in community project that locals and visitors can enjoy, such as trails and cultural projects (20%)
• Engaging with and helping minority-owned businesses (19%)
• Investing in community programs for tourism and hospitality workers (19%)
• Investing in the natural environment (18%)
• Investing in reducing, offsetting or mitigating tourism’s carbon footprint through things like renewable energy, public transportation (17%)

Research Round-Up

View the latest trends and traveler sentiments in this one-page research summary. 

View the Research Round-Up 

Travel Research

ENTHUSIASM FOR TRAVEL INCREASES, URBAN LEISURE TRAVEL RECOVERY CONTINUES TO CLIMB

Key findings from Destination Analysts fielded April 30 through May 3.

• The outlook for summer travel grew even stronger this week with 87% of American travelers expecting to be taking trips this summer, be it a vacation, visiting friends or relatives, business trip or meeting at a conference.
• More than half of travelers surveyed agree that discounts and deals could motivate bookings this summer.
• Intent to visit urban areas continue to climb, with 41% of those traveling for leisure in the next three months intending to visit cities. This is up from 36% last week.
• Top motivations for travel this year include chilling out/decompressing, experiencing beautiful places and doing new things/visiting new places.
• American travelers continue to report being open to travel inspiration, with 71% saying they were excited to learn about new destinations and travel experiences. Nearly a quarter of all travelers—and well over a third of Millennial and younger travelers—report using digital influencers as part of their travel process, primarily those who are honest, provide new ideas and specialize.

TRAVELERS REPORT GROWING CONFIDENCE IN TRAVELING AND ARE MAKING PLANS

Key findings from Longwoods International fielded April 28, 2021

66% of American travelers plan to take a trip within the next six months.

Although travelers report feeling more comfortable and ready to travel, the pandemic remains the top factor influencing the decision to travel, with 53% saying it will impact their decisions. With a majority of travelers still paying attention to the pandemic, now is perhaps not the time to ease up on safety protocols and messaging.

Concerns about personal finances will impact decisions for 37%, while transportation costs are impacting decisions for 38%. The affordability and roadtrip opportunities in Ohio remain well positioned for travelers concerned with price.

• 31% are choosing destinations they can drive to as opposed to flying
• 26% are reducing the number of trips they’re taking
• 16% are choosing rural destinations over city destinations
• 11% are choosing not to travel at all
• 10% are canceling trips
• 26% say COVID-19 is not influencing travel plans

Travelers continue to report feeling more comfortable.

• 53% support opening up their communities to visitors
• 60% feel safe traveling outside their community (a record percentage since early May)
• 59% feel safe dining in restaurants and shopping in retail stores

Vaccinations continue to influence travel plans.

• 27% of travelers say they’ll wait to travel till vaccinated
• 21% say they’ll wait to travel till a majority of Americans are vaccinated
• 18% say they’ll travel when the majority of people in their destination of interest are vaccinated
• 18% will wait to travel until friends and family are vaccinated
• 16% will wait to travel until majority of those in their community are vaccinated
• 39% say the vaccine has no impact on travel plans

Economic Relief

The SBA is accepting applications the next couple of weeks from those who lost 90% or more gross revenue last year due to the pandemic. Beginning May 10, those who lost 70% or more may apply. A third wave of funding will be awarded to those who experienced 25% or more loss during one quarter of 2020, based on 2019.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. 

To apply, please review information on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal carefully.

• Use the checklist to make sure you have everything you need to complete your application. Review additional resources at gov/svogrant such as the applicant user guide and FAQ. Keep these resources open throughout the application process.

• Register on the SVOG portal. 

For technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance. The call center is now open 24/7.

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RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. 

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023. 

• Register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov 
• Review the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
• Prepare the required documentation.
• Work with a point-of-sale vendor or visit restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.