Massachusetts focusing on rebuilding tourism as COVID-19 cases trend downward

BOSTON (WLNE) – As COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward, Massachusetts is focusing on getting its tourism industry back on track.

The state says it spends about $10 million each year on tourism marketing.

This year $1.6 million dollars will be given to small businesses in grants to promote more local tourism.

The goal is to keep the money in Massachusetts.

“You know tourism is just a vitally important part of our economy here in the commonwealth,” Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Mike Kennealy said Tuesday. “We have so much to offer both in the state and out of state. So one way is to invest more in tourism.”

In Massachusetts you do still need to need to test negative for the Coronavirus 72 hours before entering the state.

International travel is also discouraged.