Which Cities Will Lose the Most Business?
Some of the biggest cities in the United States will be the hardest hit by the drop in visitors over the past few months, according to a new study by the Milken Institute, Los Angeles.
The top tourist destinations — Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, Orlando, and Honolulu — and the biggest cities — New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago — will suffer the heaviest job losses. All told, metropolitan areas across the United States will lose an estimated 1.64 million jobs this year as a direct result of the attacks, the Institute found. Almost half will come from the airline, restaurant, and hospitality industries.
Percentage-wise, Las Vegas will suffer more than any other metro area in 2002. It is expected to have nearly 5 percent fewer jobs this year; Myrtle Beach, S.C., 3.6 percent; and New York City, 3.42 percent. Other badly affected cities include Wichita, Kan.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; and Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit www.milken-inst.org.
Another Loser: The Caribbean
With safety and security on the minds of the flying public, the normally resilient Caribbean tourism industry is another region suffering losses in occupancy. The Caribbean Hotel Association is moving forward on initiatives to steer the Caribbean hospitality industry through the crisis, among them an $18 million public/private sector emergency tourism promotion program. CHA will also serve as a clearinghouse of discounts and travel packages. For more information, visit www.caribbeanhotels.org.
Marriott Reopens Near WTC Site
When the New York Marriott Financial Center welcomed guests January 7, it became one of the first hotels near Ground Zero to reopen. Two blocks south of the World Trade Center site, the 504-room, full-service hotel was damaged during the September 11 attacks.
For about two months, the hotel collaborated with the American Red Cross to serve as a Respite Center for recovery workers. Banquet rooms were used for meals and a place of rest for hundreds of workers at the WTC site. Use of its public facilities, kitchens, and all utilities were donated by the hotel and Host Marriott.
The New York Marriott Financial Center, at 85 West St., was under renovation prior to September 11 and reopened with a new lobby and completely refurbished guest rooms.
