Earlier this Spring I found myself in a unique situation as a tourism marketer. Instead of encouraging people to come for a visit, I was telling them to stay home, stay safe. With one executive order, the pause button was pressed on travel. To say that Covid 19 has changed the tourism industry is an understatement. In fact, it has made us question every decision of where we want to travel, what we plan to do and who we plan to see from six feet apart.
Being told I can't travel has only made me want to get out more. Nothing is more desirable than when you're told something is impossible. So, as North Carolina starts to reopen, so does my desire to get out and reconnect with the world. But I know that the world waiting is going to be a lot different. Meals are going to be ordered from disposable menus and served with rubber gloves. Attractions will have waiting times as they can only accommodate limited capacity. Stores will close a little earlier. Lodging will have mobile room keys, required employee health screenings and copious amounts of hand sanitizer at the ready. But, through it all, there will still be smiles behind the masks.
May 22nd starts phase two of the state's re-opening. More parks, attractions, restaurants and stores will be waiting to welcome back visitors. I am fortunate enough to be healthy and I have taken many precautions to remain so during this crisis. For many, there is still a question of should we travel. But, travel is more than a job for me. I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met. So, I, for one, will be venturing out carefully into our new world looking for new stories to tell. At first it may just be to hike along a local trail or visit a local restaurant. Personally, I need it to reconnect after weeks of self-isolation. Economically, our community needs it as we start to rebuild
For each of us, the choice to travel or stay put will be different. Some are not ready or want to be cautious. Some may feel guilty about going out when others cannot. But, when you're ready to venture out, when you're healthy enough to do so, know that we're here waiting. We're cooking up some barbecue that will make you believe in a higher power. We're taking a kayak down the Tar River and giving hashtags the weekend off. We're writing the next chapter to our story and you're invited to be a part of it. From a safe distance, of course:)
Nash County. Great stories start here.