TULSA, Okla. — Events cancelled, hotel occupancy in the single digits and a projected $100 million loss to Tulsa's economy as COVID-19 slams our travel and tourism business.
It's a grim reality, but already that industry along with the greater Tulsa Chamber of Commerce is working on plans to revive travel and tourism.
First, officials say they will target leisure travelers, people living within a four hour drive of Tulsa.
Next, they will bring back postponed events and focus on smaller regional meetings, ones that don't rely on air travel.
Finally, business travel. Members of the chambers heard that sector may be the slowest to bounce back once pandemic restrictions lift.
Members also heard part of what it will take to restart tourism is making sure people know things are clean. That should help relieve anxiety about once again being in crowds.
Thursday afternoon, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation extended their temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and eight other casinos until April 30.
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