Tourism down 50% in Missouri

Heading into the July Fourth weekend, state tourism is still doing half the business – or less- than this time last year. The pandemic continues to make people fearful of traveling- but Stephen Foutes, Director for the Missouri Division of Tourism says money to advertise the Show-Me state would be a big help.

Foutes spoke to the group distributing CARES Act money for Missouri. Money to show off the Show-Me State normally comes from lodging taxes, but that is down dramatically… and interest in travel is down more than it was two weeks ago- according to a study.

Tourism normally accounts for nearly $11 billion in spending in Missouri.