The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Tourism-Related Services in Coastal Regions of the US

Global pandemics have a significant impact on geographical regions that depend on hospitality and tourism businesses to sustain themselves economically. This significant impact has been quantified in a few studies, but mostly on a national level. Because few studies have explored the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a regional level, the current research serves to address this gap in the literature. Some of the economic impacts of negative events include revenue loss, decreases in employment and wages, and a reduction in tax revenues. To quantify the impacts, researchers conducted economic impact studies of COVID-19 on two coastal regions via an IMPLAN input/output model. Results indicated Miami-Dade County, Florida specified a total of US$4.52 billion in total economic losses, with US$2.73 billion in direct impacts (loss) on local restaurants and hotels. In contrast, the Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi region suffered US$301.33 million in total impacts and US$207.25 million in direct impacts (losses) over the same period (March through November 2020).