The hospitality industry has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic like few others. On Friday, the United Nations World Tourism Organization released results of a survey where it was found that a staggering 96% of all tourism destinations worldwide now have travel restrictions in place. In the United States, that number stands at 92%.
Sometimes, even in the midst of anticipated difficulty, creative organizations can turn on a dime and focus on ways to fulfill their mission despite challenges.
Such is the case locally with Destination Mansfield – Richland County, and their efforts in making lemonade out of lemons has caught the attention of the media in another Ohio community.
On Friday, the Norwalk Reflector in adjacent Huron County published a piece entitled, “Destination Mansfield efforts offer leg up to local businesses, residents.”
In the staff-written post, the Reflector profiled the various projects launched by the visitors bureau to assist businesses which are deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the people who would normally frequent them. These projects include the creation of a director of local restaurants providing curbside and drive-thru service; featuring attractions and other small businesses on social media; providing location and other information to residents; and joining other organizations in serving as a clearinghouse for industry informational and other resources.
The Norwalk Reflector article can be read here.
On Friday evening, a new signature effort began with the first of five planned “Dinner & A Show,” featuring live music from a different area restaurant each week. “Guests” are invited to order music for take-out or delivery, and to eat while listening to great Richland County musicians.
On Friday night, musician Steve Brown performed at Hudson & Essex in downtown Mansfield. Future Dinner & A Show Friday evenings include the following:
- April 25 — The Vault Wine Bar and Ricky Mitchell
- May 1 — The Happy Grape Wine Bar & Bistro Lexington and Taylor Schupp Music
- May 8 — Deluxe Catering & Events and Kelly Knowlton
- May 16 — Wishmaker House Bed & Brekfast and Henry K. Konczak
These concerts are featured on the Destination Mansfield – Richland County Facebook Page, and are presented through collaboration with Richland County Chamber & Economic Development, Downtown Mansfield, Inc., and the local restaurants and artists of Richland County.
