Local tourism was no different.
The city of Ste. Genevieve took advantage of a Show-Me Strong grant, administered by the Missouri Division of Tourism, using federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. (CARES) Act money for COVID-19 related expenses.
Ste. Genevieve tourism director Toby Carrig reported his department was able to spend nearly double the money on marketing this year.
“It’s been interesting,” Carrig said. “The pandemic has impacted people traveling, and how far people are willing to travel.”
Carrig said during typical years there’s between $32,000-$35,000 in the budget for marketing, but the CARES Act provided $57,914.13.
For Deb Hickok, a two-decades-long mission to bring more people to Fairbanks is coming to an end. After working as the CEO and president of the destination marketing organization Explore Fairbanks for 21 years, Hickok is resigning this coming summer
During her long career, Hickok took part in changing the perception of Fairbanks, helping it become a four-season tourist destination, an event hub and the heart of aurora viewing.
Hickok said it took time and the efforts of many people to develop and update the marketing strategy. âAnything big requires collaboration and a lot of people looking in the same direction and working toward it,â she said.