Long Road to Recovery
County’s tourism industry starting to come back BY NOLAN STOUT
nstout@insidenova.com
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ew industries look the same since the coronavirus pandemic began, and tourism is no different. Sweeping shutdowns and stay-at-home orders had massive impacts on the tourism industry and, although some aspects are improving, there’s still a long road to recovery. Prince William County’s biggest draws typically include Manassas National Battlefield Park, Jiffy Lube Live and the waterfront along the Potomac and Occoquan rivers. Acting Prince William County Tourism Director Dan Cook said travel and safety restrictions have had an “insurmountable” impact on the overall tourism and hospitality industry. At the height of shutdowns in April 2020, occupancy rates at the county’s more than 4,700 hotel rooms were at a “historic low” of 33.9%. Occupancy rates have recovered, but are still not at pre-pandemic levels. Revenue from retail, restaurants and at-
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“There was no game plan, manual or guidebook that could have prepared the industry for something of this magnitude to occur so rapidly.” – DAN COOK, ACTING DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY tractions was virtually nonexistent other than carryout and delivery and donations to local businesses. Economic recessions are nothing new, but Cook said they typically come in cycles and trickle through different industries.
COMMUNITY GUIDE • SEPTEMBER 2021
TOURISM
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Employees of the LaQuinta Inn & Suites on Centreville Road in Manassas with some of the signage provided by the county’s tourism department. PROVIDED
