The coronavirus public health crisis is having a devastating impact on the travel and tourism industry – and the entire American economy. Travel businesses are making tough decisions, and our entire workforce is directly affected.

This year, more than ever, our industry must unite together, support each other, and remember that even through the most difficult times, the spirit of travel cannot be broken.

It is the spirit of travel that makes visitors feel at home, provides lasting memories and inspires thousands each and every day. It is the spirit of travel that is the undercurrent of Clear Lake. Now is a time for the spirit of travel to be protected and supported.

Mayor Nelson Crabb recognized the critical role the tourism industry holds in Clear Lake, Iowa, and has proclaimed May 3-9, 2020 to be National Travel & Tourism Week in our community.

Established in 1983 by a congressional resolution, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition during the first full week of May for the travel community to celebrate the value that travel holds for our economy, businesses, and personal wellbeing.

Although we are unable to gather for an official event to celebrate NTTW, we encourage our community to continue to support our tourism industry businesses that continue to be deeply affected by the pandemic. Here are some great ways to support our local hotels, restaurants, and attractions:

  • Buy a gift card for later use
  • Continue to shop local whenever possible
  • Engage with our local businesses on social media (like & share their posts, leave positive business reviews on Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.)

“We advise residents and visitors to follow official guidance to stay home, but we will be ready to welcome them as soon as possible in a healthy and safe environment,” said Libbey Hohn, Tourism Director.  “I am confident in our businesses’ abilities to adhere to the new way of life and keep our locals and visitors safety in mind.”

“While we are unsure of what the tourism season will bring as far as events are concerned, we are lucky to be in a rural area with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Hohn.

Together, we will get through this.