Category: tourism

Virus Outbreaks at Thai Factories Threaten Export Sector, Recovery

BANGKOK—A series of coronavirus outbreaks in Thai factories is raising concerns that the export sector could be hit hard, threatening to further undermine an economy as it struggles to recover from the lockdowns’ crippling blow to the crucial tourism industry. The virus has swept through over 130 factories, including those supplying international brands, with more…


New Newport Beach Harbormaster Prepares for Busy Summer  

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—The City of Newport Beach has onboarded Paul Blank as its newest harbormaster, just in time for the busy summertime season. On average, more than 6.9 million visitors make their way annually to Newport’s beaches, bay and recreational harbor. In advance of Memorial Day weekend, Blank got right to work, partnering with the…


Biden Signs Bill Allowing Cruise Ships to Resume Service to Alaska

President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill that lets cruise ships sail directly from Washington State to Alaska without having to dock in Canada, opening the door for cruise lines to resume cruises to Alaska after a pandemic-driven stoppage. The White House announced on Monday that Biden had signed H.R. 1318, or the “Alaska…


Disneyland Reopening Begins Working Magic on Local Economy

As crowds began rushing into Disneyland during its April 30 reopening, the crush of visitors could be felt far beyond park’s green gates. The businesses surrounding the Anaheim, Calif. amusement park say they’re beginning to feel a reprieve following a 15-month, pandemic-induced tourism drought. With the reopening of Disneyland, the city itself says its optimistic…


Australia Risks Become a ‘Lost Kingdom’ of the South Pacific: Tourism Sector

The tourism sector of Australia has decried the new Federal Budget for lacking a clear plan to open the international border, making it harder for the tourism and hospitality industries to survive. “It is vital for the Government to begin a staged opening as soon as possible, given the stimulus measures announced tonight,” John Hart,…


Orange County is Hitting Yellow Tier Metrics

Orange County, Calif. has begun to close in on entering the state’s least-restrictive COVID-19 stage after reporting three consecutive days of yellow tier metrics. According to metrics released May 9, the county’s daily case rate per 100,000 people was down to two, qualifying it for yellow tier status. The other two metrics required to make yellow tier, overall positivity rate and health equity…


California Tourism Receives $45 Million Marketing Boost

California’s travel industry has received a $45 million marketing injection thanks to a senate bill aimed at jump starting its tourism economy when it is deemed safe to travel. While many cities across the state have been conducting their own enhanced marketing programs to stimulate local economies, the funds from the one-time appropriation will go…


Orange County Tackles Its Human Trafficking Hotbed 

Visitors flock to Southern California for its beaches and sunshine, but there’s a darker side to Orange County’s tourism industry that law officials are working to combat: human trafficking. Orange County has become a destination location for human trafficking victims, officials from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force said during an April 6 press conference in…


San Francisco Tourism Down 61 Percent in 2020, Now Recovering

SAN FRANCISCO—The tourism industry in San Francisco is starting to recover as lockdown restrictions ease. The lockdowns due to COVID-19 have greatly affected the tourism industry. According to one report, San Francisco tourism in 2020 dropped 61 percent compared to 2019. The San Francisco Travel Association reported a total of 10.2 million visitors in 2020,…


Reopening of California’s Theme Parks Unlikely to Match Florida’s Economic Rebound  

Commentary The impending reopening of California’s theme parks is welcome news for thrill seekers and Disney fans, but their hysteria pales to the delight of local economic leaders. Gates to popular attractions such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm can swing open as early as April 1, under California’s guidance. This is huge news for…