New research shows 2021 was a great bounce-back year for Omaha tourism. The number of visitors traveling to Omaha/Douglas County rebounded to 95% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. A study conducted by Tourism Economics reports that 12.7 million out-of-town travelers visited our community in 2021 spending $1.2 billion while they were here.
“When you consider that 2019 was a record-breaking year for Omaha tourism, both in visitor volume and visitor spending, to see numbers reflect this level of recovery is a testament to our city and county’s resolve and resilience,” said Visit Omaha executive Director Deborah Ward.
The recovery was led by the two industries that suffered the largest declines from the pandemic – lodging and recreation. While consumers were uninterested in events or traditional hotels during the pandemic, and many venues/events cancelled or limited capacity, these industries came back in force in 2021. Lodging spending jumped 94% to surpass $252 million – 5% below 2019 levels. Recreation spending jumped 40% to $191 million, about 9% below pre-pandemic levels.
Along with spending recovery, tourism impacts bounced back, albeit with a bit less force. Employment directly supported by visitor spending – jobs at hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions – increased by 1,100 jobs, reaching 10,450 in 2021, but only 80% of pre-pandemic levels as employers struggled to fill positions.
Original source can be found here.
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