By L. Parsons Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center CEO Bob Hall has concerns about the summer tourism season. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent stay at home orders, tourism has already suffered losses in this early part of the season. “The thing is, yes, we have already seen a decrease in the bed tax funds that we would normally be bringing in this time of year,” said Hall, “However, I do believe we will see some travelers as the restrictions are lifted a bit.” Hall explained that he follows and is in constant contact with experts in the tourism industry. “I follow what is trending in the rest of the world on a regular basis, not just in this situation. Those trends and the buzz, so to speak, lends me to believe that we probably won’t see an influx of tourists until probably the fall.” When fall does come, he believes the travel and tourism will be different than it has been in the past. “I think people will be traveling more by car, instead of planes or other mass transit. I believe a lot of the travel will be in-state, you know, not too far from home. I also believe that people will be looking at their bucket lists as they start to go out and travel again. All of this time they have spent at home thinking and planning what to do, they will remember that they always wanted to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Hall believes that the many outdoor activities available in the region be an advantage as well. “People have been inside for weeks (and) at this point they are going to want to go outside and do more adventurous things. Not only that, but I think people may still be a bit apprehensive about being inside buildings with a lot of people. So, in that respect, I think places like Winslow will be destinations with our creek and all the great hiking and things like the Rock Art Ranch to go out and explore.” Hall believes accommodating tourists will be changed as well. He spoke about the comfort in staying in hotels versus short term rentals like Airbnb. “I think people will trust that our hotels are sanitizing and taking precautions, it may not be so for the smaller establishments. What I would recommend is that those smaller places, and the short-term rentals, should do everything they can to reassure their guests that the rooms are being thoroughly cleaned between each visitor. They should go so far as to getting photos of their crews cleaning and posting those on their websites and social media. People are going to need that reassurance when they do start traveling again. “I honestly believe that now is the perfect time for all of our businesses and restaurants and everyone to make sure their websites are up to date. Take some time to make sure their social media reflects what is going on. You know, if travelers can look at those things ahead of time and see what is available, they will not only be more at ease but they will be able to plan their trips to include more time in our town. For example, if you are only doing curbside pickup, let people know. If you are offering different things than you normally would be, let people know. Also, update those websites so that people know you are open and that you are doing all that you can to make them comfortable and safe.” The Winslow Visitor’s Center, located at 523 W. Second St., will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday beginning this week. The center will be closed on Sundays. “We will be distancing ourselves and we will have masks for those that come in that are not wearing one. We want to protect our visitors as well as ourselves. If you have any questions, please give us a call.” The phone number is (928) 289-2434.
