In this episode of “In Your Corner,” Senator Moran is joined by Lea Filson of SeePlymouth, Plymouth County's regional tourism organization; as well as Kevin Shanley, Executive Director of the Spire Center for the Performing Arts.
The draw of the classic New England coast feel, as well as the depth of art, historical, and recreational activities available, makes Plymouth a destination town. drawing in more than one hundred thousand visitors annually from around the world. Even so, the COVID-19 public health crisis proved challenging for tourism-dependent communities across the state. According to the Mass Cultural Council, between March 2020 and March 2022, 1,084 cultural organizations reported a total of $780 million in lost revenue and 34,000 impacted jobs. During the same period 3,000 "creative individuals," including artists, stage-hands, and other gig-related workers, reported 74,000 lost or canceled opportunities and almost $32 million lost personal income.
The guests spoke on the rippling impact of the pandemic here in Plymouth, and how their organizations are working to uplift the region's artists and businesses and the importance of recovery. The Senator emphasized the necessity of creating collaborative partnerships, both locally and on the state-level, to support the arts & tourism; as well as the significant allocations for local and regional aid included as part of the Senate's recently passed FY23 budget proposal that will prioritize long-term economic recovery while simultaneously bringing in out-of-state visitors and helping to rebuild the hospitality industry in the commonwealth.
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