COVID-19 Industry Update
January 11, 2020
Starting today, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan process for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers re-opened. The applications for both can be found here, while the application still has to be submitted through a lender.
As you may be aware, eligibility for a PPP loan includes all of the following organizations:
• Small businesses
• Tribal businesses
• Self-employed individuals
• Independent contractors
• Sole proprietorships
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• 501(c)(6) organizations (with certain lobbying restrictions applying)
More information on eligibility considerations and what is covered can be found in U.S. Travel’s FAQ guide or this webinar. For even more resources, visit U.S. Travel’s COVID Relief Resources page.
Below are a number of other timely updates as we begin 2021.
DALI MUSEUM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN NEW BUILDING TODAY
Today marks 10 years since the new Dali Museum opened its doors and started a cultural renaissance in St. Pete. One of the world’s most iconic museum structures made its official debut back on 1.1.11. Today, The Dali is celebrating 10 years as it hosts a notable Van Gogh Alive exhibit that’s been in high demand. Advanced timed-tickets are required to see the exhibit, but The Dali has new extended hours (Wednesday-Saturday until 9 p.m.) to help accommodate the demand. The exhibit is on through April 11.
STR OCCUPANCY, ADR FINISH 2020 ON HIGH NOTE
According to new STR data, St. Pete/Clearwater saw its best four-day stretch of accommodation business since COVID-19 hit the U.S. back in March 2020. Dec. 30, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021 all saw increases year-over-year in destination-wide occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR), ranging from 2-23.2 percent increases for occupancy and 8.8-35 percent increases for ADR. A big help in the year-over-year increase was due to New Year’s Day falling on a Friday allowing locals and visitors to take a long weekend. Still, December finished down 23.8 percent in occupancy and down 13.6 percent in ADR.
LATEST ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN PINELLAS COUNTY
As of Thursday, Jan. 7, more than 20,300 people have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pinellas County, but the distribution process through the federal and state government will take time to reach everyone. The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas is planning to partner closely with Pinellas County government to improve communication about future vaccine availability after the initial rollout of vaccines for those 65 and older faced technical difficulties. The gradual state vaccine rollout comes at a time when coronavirus cases are spiking with Pinellas County now averaging around 11 percent positive among those tested and an all-time high for new daily cases on New Year’s Eve with 878. Pinellas was among the first two counties in the state to start vaccinations last month for paramedics, first responders and at long-term care facilities, which have suffered a disproportionate number of coronavirus deaths. The state has not announced the number of vaccines coming to Pinellas in the coming weeks, but as new vaccine supply becomes available, the County will share this information here. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled a data tracker for vaccinations in the U.S.
BUSINESSES STILL ENCOURAGED TO JOIN RISE TO SHINE CAMPAIGN
VSPC’s Rise to Shine campaign continues growing with participation from hundreds of businesses across the destination and we’re still welcoming any type of business located in Pinellas County to join the free program. SIGN UP here to receive posters, decals, buttons, masks and the digital toolkit. Reminder, the countywide face covering ordinance remains in effect.
ANNUAL U.S. TRAVEL UPDATE SET FOR JAN. 27
U.S. Travel Association invites the industry to join its annual (virtual) update with President and CEO Roger Down at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Dow will cover relief and stimulus policy priorities that will be necessary to safely reignite domestic and international inbound travel. U.S. Travel will also release its ambitious and comprehensive Power of Travel Platform, which is an effort to elevate the industry of the next several years.
We remind our many partners to continue being vigilant with the county’s local mask mandate because in order to shine we first must rise.
