Media Contact: Nicole Stacey |
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Dear Tourism Stakeholder:
I know concerns about your health, the health of your families, the economy, and your own employment are weighing heavily on your minds at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all of our lives and what once were regular activities.
I am encouraged and amazed by the outpouring of love and support for others demonstrated daily in our community and our industry. As the weeks of this new normal continue, we remain focused on keeping our employees, families, and friends safe during this global pandemic.
I want to assure you that at Visit Pensacola, we are analyzing what the future will bring and how we best position our messaging to help you and your business recover as soon as possible.
Below you will find an update including travel trends, social sentiment and ways that the Visit Pensacola team continues to work hand-i-hand with our partner agencies, our tourism partners, community leaders and stakeholders.
We want to assure you that although times are challenging, we are #StillPensacola and we know that sunnier days are ahead for the best destination not only in Florida but in the nation.
Travel Trends
According to the most recent COVID-19 Insight Series – Inflection Detection: Discerning and Preparing for the Rebound from Adara, which can be watched in full here and PowerPoint here.
Longwoods International has reported:
MMGY Global published its latest Travel Insights Report on April 6, Preparing Now for the Rebound.MMGY sees this taking shape across four key tenets.
Some indicators could signal what behaviors consumers may move toward when travel returns:
The overall impact on American travel has not changed week over week with reports of trips affected by COVID-19 staying mostly flat. While Americans attach fear to traveling right now, two-thirds of people are excited to get going once travel bans are lifted. While this is promising, people have noted that they may change the type of destinations they choose based on less crowds and more solitary activities (Destination Analysts).
Social Media Sentiment Report
Please find the latest social media sentiment report available for download here.
Insights include:
Our team and partner agencies are analyzing these and other travel trends each day, collaborating to determine what the best plan of action will be as soon as travel is safe again. As we reported in our board meeting this week, we are actively working on our recovery plan and will be ready to promote Pensacola immediately. Click here to review the presentation.
Virtual Resources
We are asking that you continue supporting the community and utilize our Help Out, Take Out landing page, designed to assist all restaurants, bars and breweries now offering curbside and to-go options. Visit Help Out, Take Out to ensure your business is listed.
We continue to invite you to share your virtual live events, experiences and activities to our calendar of events. From cooking demonstrations, fitness classes, live music sessions, and more, we want to share our destination experiences. Click here to visit Virtual Pensacola.
Tired of the same background during your conference calls? Check out these creative teleconferencing backgrounds now available. Video Conference Backgrounds
Share your Pensacola #TravelMemories with us, we know many are missing our slice of paradise, and we are asking the community and our guests to share their favorite Pensacola memories to Instagram and Facebook stories by tagging @visitpensacola and hashtagging #TravelMemories. We hope to flood social media with the very best of our destination.
As of today, the following remains in effect for Escambia County:
Additional Resources:
Visit Pensacola’s healthy travel page with up to date travel information and reliable trusted sources information related to COVID-19.
CARES Act, the most significant economic relief package in U.S. history, which contains several major provisions for our industry:
U.S. Travel Association has created relief resources to help you navigate the CARES Act. Click here for more information. CARES ACT
The Greater Pensacola Chamber has created a Facebook page to assist local restaurants by utilizing take-out and delivery options they are providing amid the Corona Virus outbreak.
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and DigiPro Media have partnered together to announce the Save Florida Business Initiative as a way to support Florida businesses during this difficult time. The Save Florida Business Initiative will connect consumers in Escambia and Santa Rosa County to area businesses through the SaveFloridaBusiness.com website, where consumers can be connected to companies participating in the program.
Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Assistance
The forgivable Paycheck Protection Program SBA loan application and related guidance for lenders and banks are now live. You can begin applying this Friday, April 3.
Small Business Bridge Loans
On March 16, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. Click here for more information.
Damage Assessment Survey
Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by DEO, will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the effects the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The survey can be taken online atwww.floridadisaster.biz.
Reemployment Assistance
Governor DeSantis has reminded Floridians that if their employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, these Floridians may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Click here for more information.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County Coronavirus Call Center is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (866) 779-6121 or you can email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov
Visit floridahealth.gov for the most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.
We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments.
Sincerely,
Jack Brown
About Visit Pensacola
Visit Pensacola is the destination management organization for Escambia County which includes Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. With over 450 years of rich history and 18 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordered by the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, visitors from all over the world are lured to our pristine shores every year. Visit Pensacola supports the community vision of tourism by serving as the central body responsible for building tourism as an economic engine for our community through leadership, connection, collaboration and communication.