Tourism

‘Loved to death:’ New report says tourism that drives the state’s economy can hurt local cities

When droves of tourists arrive to small communities, the demand for housing, amenities and resources strains the pockets of state and local governments.

Historic Floods Hammer Yellowstone, Shuttering Park and Stranding Residents

A combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt has pushed rivers in the region to their highest recorded levels.

Homelessness, Homicides and Hospitality: One City’s Ongoing Reputation Problem

Portland, Oregon, once a popular travel destination for business travelers, foodies and nature lovers, is struggling to regain its tourism footing after months of social justice protests and record crime rates.

Survey: Half of Business Travelers Leaning Toward Canceling Trips

The downturn in business travel continues to plague hotels and other businesses and could be a drag on some city economies.

Public and Private Sector Jobs Are Increasing Despite Covid Surge

The U.S. added close to a million jobs in July, including 221,000 in local government. But much of that data is likely skewed by pandemic fluctuations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Federal Court Lifts CDC Cruise Ship Restrictions

The order reverses an earlier decision that allowed the restrictions to remain in place. The ruling affects only ships sailing in and out of Florida.

As Tourists Flock to Hawaii, One Mayor Asks Airlines for a ‘Pause’

Residents in Maui County have complained about congestion, illegal parking and overcrowding as tourists have resumed travel to the area.

Looking to Boost Economic Development? Open a Hospitality Department

COMMENTARY | To reap rewards of the remote work revolution, states and cities should not just market to a limited group of corporate executives but to a much broader market of global talent.

Wish You Were Here: States to Use Federal Funds to Boost Tourism

Governments can appropriate American Rescue Plan dollars to help the travel and hospitality industries rebound from economic devastation brought by the pandemic.

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

With New Tourism Campaign, Alaska Pleads ‘Don’t Forget About Us’

Alaska launched a national campaign to attract tourists back, offering free vaccinations at that state’s major airports as an incentive.

Tourism, Business Travel May Not Fully Recover for 4 Years, Industry Officials Say

Corporate travel spending dropped 70% during the pandemic, contributing to the tax revenue losses that tourism-dependent cities and states experienced.

Miami Beach Extends Curfew, State of Emergency as Visitors Swamp South Florida

City officials called an emergency meeting Sunday in Miami Beach to discuss mitigation measures for throngs of unruly gatherers after a week of arrests, fights and crowd-control headaches.

Florida Officials to Spring Breakers: Please Try to Not Spread Covid Everywhere

City and county leaders in Florida, prohibited from enforcing local mask mandates, are relying largely on public messaging to keep visitors in line.

The Best and Worst States of 2021

U.S. News & World Report published the latest edition of its Best States Rankings.

New York Leaders Call for Restrictions on UK Flights

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Record numbers of Vermonters hunt and fish during pandemic ... Oklahoma recruits out-of-state tourists while feds urge limits on travel ... Hawaii governor warns of deep budget cuts.

The Covid Detection Method That's Been Right Under Our Noses—Literally

Four dogs in Hawaii are training to detect Covid-19 by scent, part of a large international research study to determine whether it's possible—and how it might be used.

A Ski Community Will Require Tourists to Sign a Virus Test Affidavit

Pitkin County, Colorado—home to Aspen—will require visitors to sign an affidavit attesting that they've received a negative Covid-19 result recently or will quarantine locally until they can obtain one.

Salem, Mass. Hopes to Scare Away Halloween Visitors

Known for its dark history, the Witch City’s annual Halloween festivities traditionally draw large crowds. But officials this year hope business closures, fines, and limited transit and parking options will keep tourists at bay.

Russia and Iran Obtained Voter Information to Meddle in Election, Federal Government Says

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Colorado aims to safely reopen ski resorts ... Wichita man accused of threatening mayor over mask ordinance is charged with criminal threat ... University of Michigan places students on lockdown as coronavirus surges.