GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The damage being wrought by the COVID-19 Pandemic on the local economy goes deeper than just the closure of non-essential businesses.
Visitor spending in Green Bay has ground to a halt in the area, which Convention and Visitor’s Bureau President Brad Toll says is going to have a serious impact.
“Visitor spending through the course of the year is just shy of $700 million, and this is just a huge drop off,” said Toll.
It’s an impact felt not only by businesses, but local government as well. Fewer visitors means less money generated via sales and hotel tax.
“That loss in local tax revenue is going to make it difficult for municipalities to provide the same services,” Toll told WTAQ.
Hotels are operating at low occupancy–some as low as 5%. Meanwhile, restaurants and retailers have had had to resort to some unique measures to get by.
“It’s not often that you’d see curbside pick up for your local beer or one cent delivery on a case of wine,” CVB Communications Director Brenda Krainik said Tuesday. “We’re going to be at this for another month so be creative about how you’re dining out and take advantage of the steals.”
You can find a list of retailers and restaurants providing services during the pandemic on Greenbay.com.
