Pandemic continues to cost the tourism industry in Massachusetts – CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) – Travel and hospitality is Boston’s third-largest industry, and while industry experts say this past summer saw a return to normal for the city, more needs to be done. .

Before the pandemic Massachusetts tourism brought in more than $22 billion, but according to the American Travel Association, the state’s industry is now recovering at a slower rate than most other states in the country.

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“Travel and tourism is really the gateway to economic growth, it’s not just about filling up hotels and restaurants,” said Roger Dow, executive director of the American Travel Association.

Ed and Linda Baehr drive down to Boston from Maine year-round and say the holiday season doesn’t seem to be much different from 2020.

“It’s less busy. We found that when we arrived after the pandemic there weren’t many people and I think that’s true in a lot of places,” said Linda Baehr.

“Getting here is not as trivial as it used to be, we don’t get on I-95 and wait an hour and a half to get into Boston,” Ed Baehr said.

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Dow said city leaders should focus on encouraging employers to bring business trips back to Boston.

“Relaxation time is really good with a rich summer, but we have to go back to business, meetings and conferences and international travel, all that is coming,” he said.

Despite a quiet Wednesday evening at Faneuil Hall — we found a Utah town couple enjoying Boston for the first time on a business trip.

Cody Stanger said: “It’s been exciting to finally be out of state and out of the country, but we’re also taking the necessary precautions.

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Despite the slow return, travel experts say 2022 will be a much stronger year for tourism in Massachusetts.