Edmond Celebrates Frontline Hospitality Workers

Edmond’s hospitality businesses, including hotels, retail, restaurants and attractions were some of the hardest hit in 2020. Edmond’s 15 hotel properties were significantly impacted by the coronavirus public health crisis, experiencing a collective loss of $4 million and a 26.8% decrease in lodging tax collections from 2019 to 2020. During National Travel & Tourism Week, May 2-8, 2021, Visit Edmond is advocating for, and honoring, the work of the tourism industry through education, recognition and celebration. 

“This annual tradition for the U.S. travel community celebrates the value of tourism for our businesses, economy, and personal well-being,” said Jennifer Seaton, Edmond’s Tourism Director. “This year’s theme THE POWER OF TRAVEL showcases hospitality employees’ role in restoring our community, one traveler at a time.”

Did you know that before the COVID health crisis, tourism was Oklahoma’s 3rd largest industry? Travel spending in the United States was down nearly $500 billion in 2020, costing the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion. The total number of travel-supported jobs fell by 34% and millions of hospitality workers lost their jobs. Edmond hotel, food, beverage and retail reported a 23.7% loss in sales tax from 2019 to 2020 according to the Edmond Economic Development Authority. These losses have proven how critical tourism is to Edmond’s economy and workforce. 

While people are beginning to make travel plans, the businesses that make up the travel & tourism industry are still suffering major economic losses. As we look forward to a future that is once again full of hope, Visit Edmond will be sharing stories, statistics, and giveaway packages to bring awareness to local hotels, restaurants, retail and attractions. Follow @VisitEdmond and sign up for the email newsletter at www.visitedmondok.com/newsletter for a chance to win.

National Travel & Tourism Week, May 2-8, 2021, is the perfect opportunity to thank the people who make our community great every day - those who work in our Edmond restaurants, attractions, retail and lodging facilities. These businesses support our residents by generating sales tax revenue. Join Visit Edmond in showing our appreciation as they welcome visitors that to travel to Edmond for business and leisure.