Downtown Phoenix Businesses Benefit from Return of Events The Phoenix Convention Center closed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but when events return, travelers will have a return, and that gives downtown businesses the most urgent ones needed support. Steve Nielsen from FOX 10 reports. PHOENIX – When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Downtown Phoenix was empty and the Phoenix Convention Center was closed. The center’s closure due to the pandemic prevented the hundreds of thousands of travelers it normally attracts from coming to Arizona. However, as the state continues to reopen after the depths of the pandemic, events are returning to the center. “I really enjoy the weather and everyone is really nice and I’m surprised it’s all open, so that’s a good thing,” said Susie Kim, a Californian who is in Phoenix for a volleyball tournament that is expecting 5,000 people becomes. “It’s really cool. It’s starting to feel normal again. It’s really fun,” said Deanna Kim. “Most importantly, here at the Convention Center we get back to doing what we love to do, what welcomes people, especially those from the state, and enhances the experience they have visiting downtown.” said Jerry Harper of the Phoenix Convention Center. “We like to see ourselves as one of the gates to what Phoenix and Arizona have to offer.” Businesses Benefit from Returning Events As events return to the Phoenix Convention Center, at least some of those event attendees will need accommodations. With this in mind, hotels in the area can achieve at least some benefits. “We’re really excited to have this business finally come back because it really is the city’s lifeblood,” said Melissa Balthazor of the AC Hotel. The AC Hotel opened back in 2021 and has been waiting for the Convention Center to go back to normal. For the first time, they have all sold their rooms for the next week. “It feels really good to finally feel like turning the page of the pandemic tablet,” said Balthazor. “Just nice to see that people come back and love to travel again.” During the pandemic, the Phoenix Convention Cemter’s sales team stayed busy and had 75 future conventions booked, equivalent to 300,000 future visitors. More Top Stories from Arizona Tune on to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news. For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. Sign up for FOX 10 email alerts and newsletters
[ad_2]
