BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN) announced the launch of a Tourism Recovery Task Force to plan for the reopening of tourism related business in the region following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The task force is made up of industry partners, community stakeholders, as well as VBN board members and staff.
Travel restrictions remain in place at this time but VBN says now is the time to strategize for the recovery of the tourism sector, saying the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for Buffalo Niagara’s tourism industry.
“While it remains inadvisable to travel to Erie County at this time, Visit Buffalo Niagara is committed to providing the leadership necessary to help revive our tourism economy,” said Patrick Kaler, VBN President and CEO. “There are many public health questions and safety concerns that need to be addressed before we can expect to re-open, but it is not too soon to position Buffalo for post-pandemic success in the tourism marketplace.”
VBN says when the "new normal" emerges Buffalo and Erie County will be prepared to compete with other destinations.
“As always, the safety and well-being of our customers and the 30,000 workers who are the backbone of Erie County’s tourism industry will be of paramount concern as we begin this process,” Kaler added. “Researchers forecast consumers are going to return to brands they trust. We are going to do everything we can to ensure that Buffalo Niagara is one of those brands.”
