4-16-20 state department of tourism secretary goes “between the lines”

The Wisconsin tourism secretary-designee is expressing concern about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the upcoming summer tourism season.  Sarah Meaney says tourism is a multi-billion dollar business in Wisconsin, providing nearly 200,000 jobs.  “In the past four weeks alone, the United States Travel Association, has reported that Wisconsin has seen lost travel spending of $631 million,”  Meaney told AM 1170s Between the Lines program.  “…that’s just in four weeks during a time that isn’t even our peak season.”   Several major events have been either cancelled or postponed, and there’s no guarantee any large gatherings will be allowed until a vaccine is available.   “I think what we have to keep in mind is no one knows exactly what this is going to look like,”  Meaney said.  “All of it is led by and should follow t he guidance of our public health professionals, and there are predictions all over the place.  Ultimately we all need to prepare for what may be possible.”   Meaney says many tourism-destination spots are bracing for the worst, hoping to be able to survive.