DETROIT (WXYZ) — The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism sector especially hard. Major events in Detroit continue to send out devastating cancellations due to pandemic restrictions.
Claude Molinari, CEO and President of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau said the impact on tourism is widespread.
"You're talking about an industry that is the third-largest employer in the state of Michigan and it's just been crushed," said Molinari.
He is optimistic that the industry will return and believes the city of Detroit has the venues and infrastructure to be attractive for events in the future.
The TCF Center recently hosted a volleyball tournament that brought thousands to downtown. Molinari said it's the first event the convention center has hosted since March.
Movement Electronic Musical Festival released a statement:
We have been looking forward to reuniting with all of you on Memorial Day weekend, but the ongoing pandemic and state regulations have led us to the painful realization that our beloved Movement Festival will not happen in May 2021. We appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate our way through these challenging times and difficult decisions. Our team is working hard to provide updates about future dates and ticketing options. We will be in touch next month with more information.Big thanks to those who have held onto their tickets, your unwavering support will not go unnoticed. We promise that we will always look out for your safety and will work to bring you the greatest experience possible when we can all gather again in Techno City.
As 7 Action News first reported the North American International Auto Show announced it is moving the reimagined indoor and outdoor show to the fall in 2021.
The annual 63rd annual Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade in Corktown has been canceled, as well as the affiliated Corktown Races, normally scheduled for the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
Visit our The Rebound Detroit, a place where we are working to help people impacted financially from the coronavirus. We have all the information on everything available to help you through this crisis and how to access it.