Governor implements second round of Phase Two
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced earlier this week that Louisiana will stay in Phase Two of reopening, as the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have started to rise in several regions across the state. The Governor will extend his Phase Two order for another 28 days, keeping in place occupancy limits and other restrictions.

Louisianans should wear face masks whenever they are in public, practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently and avoid going out in public when they are experiencing any symptoms.

Business can visit  OpenSafely.la.gov to receive guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. Businesses that require approval of reopening plans will be notified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office or the Louisiana Department of Health. For a guide listing businesses that can be open at any given time, visit  gov.louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open.
Summit 2020
It is with cautious optimism that we are proceeding with plans to host the Lt. Governor’s Travel Summit in-person this August 18-20 in Lake Charles!

We have not arrived at this decision quickly or without trepidation. Our top priority is the safety and welfare of our industry. We are working with our host venue, the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, to ensure we follow all precautionary measures outlined by the Governor, as well as best practices for the industry. This will include increased facility cleanings, hand sanitation stations, adjustments in food & beverage service, mask wearing, socially distant seating and more.

For those who are at-risk, we are excited to offer an opportunity to engage with the conference virtually. Please look for more information about this the coming weeks.
We hope this “hybrid” conference will serve the needs of all of our attendees, while also providing the industry with significant education and encouragement as we adapt our business in the “new normal.”

Register now for Summit at the link below. If you are interested in showcasing your business at Summit, please contact Madeline for sponsorship opportunities or consider donating to our online auction . Whether in-person or virtually, we can’t wait to see you in August! 
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Federal update
Last Friday, Senators Scott, Rubio and Cruz introduced a bill that would expand the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to CVBs/DMOs of all statuses. The bill's provisions match those of a similar bill in the House, showing interest from both chambers to provide assistance to destination marketing organizations.

Arizona Senator Martha McSally has introduced the American TRIP Act, a bill to provide a tax credit of up to $4,000 per individual for money spent on lodging, entertainment and other travel expenses in the U.S. The bill also provides funding for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to promote the travel and tourism industry.

The House is considering a large infrastructure bill next week, the Moving Forward Act, H.R. 2. This bill strengthens America’s communities with investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, schools, broadband, water systems and the postal service. Included in the bill is the 5-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, INVEST in America Act, which includes a provision to fund the National Scenic Byways Program. 

The Southeast Tourism Society has provided a pre-drafted letter to Congress to emphasize the critical role of scenic byways in driving tourism and economic growth to rural communities. 
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State Treasurer John Schroder said Monday he hopes to start in July distributing about $300 million in federal coronavirus aid funds to small businesses, under a program...

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The travel industry will survive COVID-19, but with big...

For Fast Company's S hape of Tomorrow series, we're asking business leaders to share their inside perspective on how the COVID-19 era is transforming their industries. Here's what's been lost-and what could be gained-in the new world order.

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