Laura evacuees boost hotel occupancy, expected to positively impact consumer spending
Baton Rouge, La. (September 8, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released its COVID-19 economic indicator dashboard that examines and assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regional economy. The dashboard is available online at brac.org/recovery.
“While indicators concerning the Baton Rouge economy have been steadily improving over the last few weeks, this week includes data that indicates the region will also get a short-term shot in the arm from an increased number of visitors due to Hurricane Laura,” said Andrew Fitzgerald, senior director of business intelligence for BRAC. “As recovery efforts continue, local hotels, restaurants, and retailers will benefit from the increased number of consumers in the metro area.”
Key findings from this week’s dashboard include:
- Consumer spending rose in all three of the Capital Region’s largest parishes, and it was above pre-COVID spending in Livingston and East Baton Rouge;
- There was increased mobility to workplaces and retail & recreation in the week ending September 4th;
- While unemployment claims were down only slightly, it marks the sixth straight week of decline;
- Because of the high number of Hurricane Laura evacuees, hotel occupancy was significantly higher both over-the-year and over-the-week.
The dashboard looks at a number of data points to illustrate the economy’s current state. With data from a number of regional stakeholders, the dashboard is the most real-time analysis of the Baton Rouge metro economy available.
To download this week’s indicator dashboard directly, click here.
BRAC is regularly updating brac.org/recovery with business resources and guidance related to COVID-19.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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