Even though most travel is not allowed right now because of the pandemic, it probably will be soon, and Visit Quad Cities wants to be ready. The tourism and marketing agency is planning how to attract visitors once restrictions are lifted.
President and CEO Dave Herrell says the Quad Cities is well-positioned geographically for when leisure travel can resume.
"But I think what you'll see on the leisure side are people that are looking for that two to three hour drive. They've been pent up in their homes, they're wanting a new experience, they're wanting to get out with their families. And so the short-haul visitor is something that we're really going to focus on moving forward."
Corporate travel and conventions will take longer to recover.
Herrell says an important part of their planning for the return of visitors to the Quad Cities is planning for their safety.
"Whether you're bringing friends or family, and you're going to an attraction or a restaurant or any one of the assets we have in our community, these protocols will have to be in place and we'll make sure with our partners that they happen."
Next week is National Travel and Tourism Week, and Visit Quad Cities plans to celebrate - by launching a new website, holding some virtual meetings with event planners, and sponsoring some curbside concerts.
