Central Valley tourism business anticipating massive enhance from California reopening

OAKHURST, Calif. (KGPE / KSEE) – California reopened its economy and lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions on June 15, a long-awaited moment for Central Valley businesses that depend on tourism.

“Hopefully more travelers will feel comfortable visiting our Madera County outdoor areas and our restaurants, wine bars and distilleries,” said Brooke Smith of Visit Yosemite. “Everyone is reopening, all of our stores that have spent most of the past year are closed.”

According to Visit California’s Economic Impact Report, Madera County’s 2020 travel spending decreased by nearly 50%. Last year, tourism accounted for $ 355 million in the county’s economy, with $ 31.1 million in state and local tax revenue. In 2019 there were 4,300 jobs in the industry, in 2020 there were 3,800.

Smith says Madera saw a decline in visitors when Yosemite National Park rolled out its daytime reservation program. Reservations are required through Sept. 30, but Oakhurst Township expects more travel as restrictions end and vaccination rates continue to rise.

While many closed their store fronts in 2020, two entrepreneurs saw the pandemic as an opportunity to venture into new directions.

“We opened our store because we lost our jobs due to COVID. We came from the hospitality industry, ”said Mike Broderick, co-owner of Pedal Forward Bikes and Adventure in Oakhurst. “We opened in September. It was when the Creek fire was raging, and obviously during the pandemic. “

Broderick shares that he and his business partner were busy surviving their store, but they are hoping for a busy summer to overcome last year’s hurdles.

“When life gets rough, you can either stop, roll or step forward. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here at Pedal Forward Bikes and Adventure, ”he said.

The neighboring tourist attraction Yosemite Ax is also preparing for more pedestrian traffic after the reopening of California.

The company settled in Oakhurst in December 2019 and operated with restrictions during the pandemic. Employees say it was a perfect place to let off steam at a time of heightened uncertainty and fear.

“Throwing a couple of axes is a really good stress reliever. People really enjoy it, ”said Yosemite Ax’s Mike Sliffe.