Pasadena’s Office of Economic Development Reports Hopeful Signs of Tourism Rebound, Positive Commercial Leasing Results

The city’s economic team expressed optimism on Tuesday that the travel and tourism industries in Pasadena will bounce back this 2022 as the continued impact of COVID-19 pandemic lessens.

During the meeting of the Economic Development Technology Committee, David Klug, Acting Economic Development Manager of the city’s Office of Economic Development said that although the travel industry experts had said that full recovery is not expected until 2024, there are reasons for optimism for the recovery of the city’s tourism sector.

“Pasadena’s ability to host the Tournament of Roses Parade, Rose Bowl Game, and numerous conventions and public events is a good sign that tourism will rebound this year,” said Klug.

At the meeting Klug also reported that Pasadena’s hospitality sector is gaining jobs, but labor shortages have slowed the recovery.

The Office of Economic Development reported successes in other industries which comprise Pasadena’s economy aside from the tourism sector.

According to the office, because restaurant industry protocols adjusted as a result of the new variants, restaurants were able to remain open for in-person dining during the 2021 pushing sales tax receipts closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Klug said as the restaurant industry emerges from the pandemic this year, emphasis will be placed on casual, elevated dining experiences with growth expected to accompany the demand for delivery, ghost kitchens and outdoor dining.

The office also reported strong leasing activity in the local market. Special Projects Manager Michelle Garrett said that leasing momentum in the fourth quarter of 2021 resulted in a 4% drop in the office vacancy rates.

Garrett also reported successes resulting from the economic development’s marketing strategies, such as the thriving innovation and technology industry in the city, and the “shop local” campaign achieving 7.8 million impressions on social media.

Moving forward, Garrett said the city will continue to position Pasadena as a premiere location for commerce, culture and entertainment and will continue to promote businesses through its website, social media accounts, various publications and outreach efforts.

She said the office is also eyeing the launching of an economic development podcast in the future to further help local businesses in the city thriv amid the pandemic.