The pandemic has hit many industries hard, but probably none were hit harder right out of the gate like the travel and tourism industry. Arizona in particular was in the middle of its peak tourism season with weeks of MLB spring training being cancelled as a result. But how did Arizona fare compared to other states over the long haul?
Researchers at Filterbuy calculated the percentage change in air transportation and accommodations spending from 2019 to 2020. In the event of a tie, the state with the greater total change in air transportation and accommodations spending from 2019 to 2020 was ranked higher.
The analysis found that travel spending in Arizona declined by 50.7%—a decrease of $4.8 billion—during the pandemic. That number placed Arizona as the 32nd hardest hit state. Not surprisingly, the hardest hit state was the population dense New York with a 64.2% decline while the thinly populated and outdoor recreation focused Wyoming had the least decline at 37.3%.
Here is a summary of the data for Arizona:
- Percentage change in travel spending (2019-2020): -50.7%
- Total change in travel spending (2019-2020): -$4,818,300,000
- Per capita travel spending (2020): $632
- Per capita travel spending (2019): $1,306
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
- Percentage change in travel spending (2019-2020): -53.9%
- Total change in travel spending (2019-2020): -$149,797,900,000
- Per capita travel spending (2020): $388
- Per capita travel spending (2019): $846
For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Filterbuy’s website: https://filterbuy.com/resources/covid-impact-on-tourism/
