NEW ORLEANS — March and April bring big tourism dollars to New Orleans businesses. But just five days after the first confirmed case of coronavirus, hotels and restaurants are already feeling the pinch of canceled reservations.
"It's a lot like Katrina. Because of the uncertainties, we're dealing with situations we've never dealt with before," said Ralph Brennan of Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group.
He says his staff has increased already-thorough cleaning at his five restaurants. Hand sanitizer is kept at hostess stations and at a table by the front door.
But the calendars, he said, are already starting to thin out. While Napoleon House has not seen a downturn in business, he said.
"Brennan's and Redfish Grille and Ralph's on the Park, we've lost a little bit of a la carte business, and it's really the parties that have impacted us. We've lost 100 parties for March and April and a few in May."
It all happened fast. Less than a week ago, Louisiana had no reported cases of the virus. Now, vacations are on the chopping block.
Locally-owned International House Hotel has had many cancelations but still hangs onto hope that they will get through the rough patch.
"There's always hope in this city. And throughout history, we've been through a lot," said owner Sean Cummings. "And in recent history been through a ton, with Katrina, with the credit crisis, with the BP oil spill, this is the latest in a long line of traumas like that. And together, we stick together, we'll get through it just fine."
The tourism industry is biding time, hoping things get back to normal long before they get worse.
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