Research carried out by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, shows the scope of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the attractions industry in the United States.
The report, which was composed by Jim Futrell, IAAPA historian and market research professional, reveals that the employment loss in the attractions sector is five times higher than the average loss across all other industries. In July 2020, typically the peak month for employment in the attractions industry, there was a 35% fall in employment compared to July 2019.
The research highlights the urgent need of support from elected officials and policymakers in the US to play a role in facilitating the safe reopening of attraction sites. The IAAPA is calling for additional Covid-19-related relief legislation to support the industry.
John Hallenbeck, IAAPA’s vice president in North America, commented on the situation: “Just as amusement parks and arcades, historical sites, zoos and other attractions were ramping up seasonal hiring last year, the economy shut down.
“That meant a sudden and immediate drop in employment. It’s imperative to the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of Americans that state and local governments continue to push for the safe reopening of attractions facilities as soon as possible,” Hallenbeck continued.
