he 37th annual National Travel and Tourism Week will be observed, May 3-9, 2020, in hundreds of destinations across the country, including Shreveport-Bossier. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on America’s tourism and hospitality industry, the 2020 celebration will be unlike any other.
This year, in addition to raising awareness of the economic impact of tourism and hospitality, the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (publisher of www.20×49.com) and other tourism partners have joined forces with United Way of Northwest Louisiana to establish a dedicated fund that will fundraise on behalf of—and provide financial assistance to—hospitality industry workers who are facing financial hardship as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Contribute to the Hospitality Fund
This emergency relief fund is called the “United for NWLA” fund. To make a financial gift to this fund, visit the secure donations website and be sure to select “Yes” when asked: “Is your contribution dedicated to the Hospitality Fund?”
Here’s what the box looks like where you’ll need to check “Yes”:
How to Apply for Financial Assistance From the Fund
If you are a hospitality industry worker in Shreveport-Bossier—including employees or former employees of hotels, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions—and you are currently unemployed or have have had your employment reduced to part-time due to COVID-19—you may apply to receive funds here.
Partners involved in promoting this fund include the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Shreveport-Bossier Hotel and Lodging Association, and Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. Administration of the fund is being handled by United Way of Northwest Louisiana.
Just how much does tourism and hospitality mean to Shreveport-Bossier? A lot. More than 10,000 hard-working men and women work in tourism and hospitality in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The economic impact of this industry across both parishes is approximately $762 million, generating $97.63 million in local and state tax revenues and $259 million in take-home pay for employees.
If you’re interested in helping raise awareness of Shreveport-Bossier’s National Travel and Tourism Week efforts, check out the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s website dedicated to the celebration.
And, if you can, please make a gift of any size to help the hard-working people who’ve been affected by COVID-19’s enormous impact on travel and tourism.
Please consider sharing this post in order to raise awareness of the “United for NWLA” fund!
20×49.com is a publication of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
