U.S. Large-scale events are canceled one after another
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, large-scale events in the United States have been discontinued one after another, and there is concern that the regional economy will be seriously affected.
In South Austin, Texas, SXSW (South by South West), a major annual gathering of music and start-ups, has been canceled due to local city intent.
The event attracted hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world, including Japan, where artists performed live and exhibited the latest technologies, and last year brought a $ 350 million (approximately 37 billion yen) economic effect to the locals. That is.
Following the sudden suspension, local accommodation agencies and restaurants have been forced to respond.
According to the hotel for group guests in the city, reservations for rooms that were full during the event were almost canceled.
According to Christine Carson, who runs the hotel, the income before and after the event is about 10% of the hotel's one year, "I have been preparing to accept it, but it has been canceled and the management is strict and it is really hard I'm worried that there may be further restrictions on travel in the future. "
In the city's restaurant serving beer, four events were scheduled in an outdoor space that can accommodate about 1200 people during the period, but all have been canceled.
"I think the decision to stop the event is right, but many small self-employed people are struggling. The 110 employees have to protect their lives and what to do," said Ben Siegel, the owner of the restaurant. I don't know. "
In the United States, other events such as NBA = American professional basketball and other sports games and rallying in the United States presidential election have been canceled or postponed, and the impact on the local economy has spread. There is concern.