NEWPORT — A new study shows Vermont is among the states hit hardest by COVID-19’s impact on tourism due to the coronavirus.
Vermont ranked the fourth overall tourism industry affected by COVID-19.
Among the data points, Vermont has the fifth-highest percent of workers associated with the tourism industry in the nation.
The top three most impacted states are Hawaii, Montana, and Nevada.
To identify the states where tourism is most affected by COVID-19, the study, put out by WalletHub, compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 10 key metrics.
The data ranged from the share of businesses in the travel and tourism-related industries to the highest travel and tourism consumer spending per capita.
The ranking largely follows the economic impact of tourism on each state before the novel coronavirus hit.
Vermont’s “Stay Home” order is scheduled to be lifted May 15, but Governor Phil Scott is now allowing hospitality properties to start booking reservations any time after June 15.
