NORRISTOWN – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the region’s financial landscape. Among the industries hardest hit by the pandemic in Montgomery County were tourism and hospitality.

“Last year we tested and humiliated in ways that we couldn’t possibly imagine,” said Mike Bowman, president and CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism Convention Board, in a statement. “Our industry is bent, but not broken. And it will rebound. “

Several of the division heads of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board practically gathered last week during the bimonthly meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to update the county’s elected officials.

They recapitulated the industry’s performance in 2020 amid the ongoing public health crisis and shared plans for the months ahead.

The local tourism industry represents 4% of the county’s workforce and “contributes $ 1.65 billion in positive impact,” a statement said. Last year, this impact was greatly reduced by 50%, representing a loss of $ 800 million.

There was also a “$ 150 million loss of personal income,” officials said.

More than $ 106 million in hotel revenue was lost in 2020, officials said in the presentation. Hotel occupancy dropped dramatically as more than 120 of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board’s organizational events were canceled in 2020, resulting in a loss of 46,000 room nights and $ 4.5 million, a statement said in a statement.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board still found ways to support the community.

Among several initiatives – a t-shirt campaign raised $ 25,000 for the MontcoStrong action, which distributed grants through a range of programs to small businesses, restaurants and nonprofits negatively affected by the pandemic.

Almost $ 5,000 was donated to the sixth annual Valley Forge Freedom from Hunger Food Drive, which equates to more than 20,000 pounds of food.

Ken Lawrence Jr., vice chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, commended the department heads for their efforts to start other businesses, including Take Out Tuesday and Make It Main Street, which showcase mom and pop shops in downtown suburban areas.

“While it wasn’t the year you all planned for in any way, you turned around and looked for ways to work with us and help us,” he said.

Lawrence was a particular fan of the Montco Makers AppThere were many wineries, breweries and distilleries in the region.

“Did one of the commissioners become a master through the Montco Makers app?” Lawrence asked with a chuckle.

According to the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board website, those who reach the master maker level have checked into at least 15 facilities.

“Why yes, Commissioner Ken, I believe you were one of our first actual Masters, not just Commissioners, but one of our first Masters to reach that level in 2020,” replied Rachel Riley, manager of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board of communication and media work.

“Wow, that’s a lot of self-sacrifice, Commissioner Lawrence. It was really, really, a lot of self-sacrifice, ”said Val Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners.

“We appreciate your efforts,” added Riley.

“Congratulations,” said Arkoosh with a laugh.

Looking ahead to the months ahead in 2021, the members of the leadership delegation of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board emphasized the importance of an effective marketing strategy.

To that end, the tourism authority plans to revitalize its online presence through the existing website and mobile apps Visit Valley Forge and Montco Makers, according to Riley.

Riley noted that it was aimed at those in the mid Atlantic who had access to a number of county amenities such as hiking trails, golf courses, and other suburban destinations.

Two new hotels in Bala Cynwyd and King of Prussia will open in the next few months, according to tourism officials who were cautiously optimistic about a return to normal for tourism and hotel occupancy. They estimate that the sales level could be 65-70% by the end of 2021 – “on the way back to prepandemic”.

The newly renovated Visitor Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park is expected to reopen this summer, according to Lisa Karl, vice president of sales and strategic partnerships for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

Twelve sporting events, including the National Cup Lacrosse tournament in Conshohocken, are on the books for this year and are expected to bring “more than $ 25 million in positive economic effects to the county,” according to tourism officials.

In addition, Riley spoke of plans to highlight several existing programs, including Make It Main Street, Crave Montco Month, and Montco Makers, to pay particular attention to further helping restaurants and small businesses in the area.

Montgomery County weddings were also a topic of conversation as Karl pointed out the sheer number of brides and grooms who wanted to spend their special day here.

In 2019, Montgomery County hosted a total of 4,200 weddings, with an economic impact of $ 168.7 million, according to the agency. While health and safety restrictions forced many to change their plans, officials said more than 50% of weddings were postponed in the past year, an expected increase of 35% in 2021, with more than 5,000 weddings that year to be expected.

Despite the tough times over the past 10 months, Riley has been relatively confident that the company can continue on the path to recovery.

“The only way for our industry to come together and improve so we can revive the powerful economic impact that will benefit jobs and the region as a whole,” she said. “You have our commitment because we believe in this goal and will not give up. No matter what, we will make it. “

Following the presentation, the elected leaders applauded the executive board leadership team for their ideas to restart tourism in Montgomery County.

“It’s just great to see the smart pivot, resilience and steadfastness,” said Arkoosh. “You just won’t let go of this, you’ll find a way to achieve it, even under the pressures we have to live under to protect everyone.”

Inspector Joe Gale agreed.

“I look forward to our local economy here, the restaurant industry, entertainment industry, tourism, hospitality and hotels getting strong again in 2021,” he said.

For more information on the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, visit www.valleyforge.org.

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