State wavers on theme park rules
SACRAMENTO » Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday delayed new operating rules for theme parks such as Disneyland that have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic as tourism industry officials warned the state was set to lose more than $78 billion in travel related spending this year.
The Newsom administration had planned to release the new rules on Friday, spokesman Nathan Click told the Sacramento Bee. But following industry criticism of the proposed rules, state health officials said no announcement was coming Friday as negotiations continue.
“Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input fromhealth, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's top public health official, said in a statement.
Amusement park leaders sawadraft of the newrules
Thursday and urged state officials to change them, said Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Attractions and Parks Association.
“Whilewe are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan,” Guerrero said in a statement.
No one has said what Newsom's proposed rules
would have allowed. Friday, the board of directors for Visit California — the state's tourism marketing authority — asked a Newsom administration official for an update on those rules. But all he would say is “as soon as we have an announcement to make it will be made.”
That appeared to frustrate ScottWhite, president and CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, who said he has lost all large meetings through the end of the year and is beginning to lose bookings for the first quarter of 2021.
“We need guidance and we need guidance quickly,” White said. “If we lose all of our business for the first quarter of 2021, our destination is going to be severely, severely devastated and I think there is a lot of businesses that will never come back.”
Florida has allowed its theme parks to reopen with restrictions. But California's rules still don't allow large gatherings for concerts, conventions and amusement parks. California tourism officials said Friday the state expects to lose $78.8 billion in travel spending for 2020 — up from an initial industry loss forecast in June of $ 75.4 billion for the year.
While the occupancy rates at California's hotels are higher than the national average, Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta said Southern California's Orange County where Disneyland and other theme parks are located “is faring the worst across all regions given its high dependency on Disneyland.”