The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAPPA) observes how the pandemic has made an impact on employment within the industry.
Their recent study uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and compares employment numbers from 2019 and 2020. IAPPA found the attractions and theme park industry experienced an employment loss five times more than the average employment loss across all other industries.
However, the Sunshine State seems to be recovering from the impact of the pandemic quicker than others.
The IAPPA study specifically compares Florida and California as both states have similar attractions. As the two states are the largest employers in the amusement parks and arcade industry, the study looks at their peak seasons and employment data to recognize recovery trends during the pandemic.
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Most states shut down their parks early into the start of the pandemic in 2020, with Florida’s theme parks choosing to close their gates in March. However, Florida reopened its facilities in July, thus mitigating its severe unemployment numbers, according to the study.
IAPPA notes Florida worked quicker than most other states to reopen facilities with enhanced procedures to mitigate the virus.
Yet, the study notes, Florida’s theme park and attractions industry hasn’t fully recovered and likely won’t until 2022.
Credit: IAAPA
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