‘Today we invite you to Stay Greater’; tourism office launches campaign to unite community

As the new coronavirus continues to impact communities in Southern Utah, many industries are feeling the financial effects. With travel bans and service industry health mandates in place throughout the world, the tourism and hospitality industry continues to bear the brunt of a rapidly changing economy. “The hospitality industry is kind of the lead, the face of what is going on, because they are being immediately impacted,” said Kevin Lewis, director of the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office. Event postponements, including the Ironman North American Championship St. George which was set for May 2, have sharply impacted hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and event venues, many of which have had to quickly adapt in the face of new restrictions. While it is easy to see how COVID-19 has changed the hospitality industry, Lewis said the reality is that those event postponements have a ripple effect throughout the entire economy. To that end, the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office has launched a campaign aimed not only at supporting the tourism industry, but also bringing the Greater Zion community together to find unique and safe ways to support one another through this unprecedented time. The goal of the campaign is to unify and inspire people to take action in ways that are respectful of the health and safety of themselves and others. “Whatever your circumstance, stand where you are; lift where you can,” Lewis said, adding that now is the time to responsibly support local restaurants and businesses, reach out to family, friends and even those who might be strangers whose lives are being severely impacted by this. “Together, we’re greater,” Lewis said. And even though that doesn’t mean being together physically right now, Lewis said the community can still collectively band together in a common goal. “Do the kinds of things that you always do, that you’ve always done, in the ways that you have to do them now, given the new restrictions,” Lewis said. “Be very responsible in your activity, but don’t shut the door on the opportunity to help.”