Hospitality and Tourism industry takes hit amid COVID-19 pandemic

With fewer people traveling, that means fewer people are staying in hotel rooms. Which means hotels are taking an economic hit.

Wrapped up.

The travel and hospitality industry has taken a big hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fewer people are traveling within the states..

And many international flights are canceled to slow the spread of the virus.

That also means not many people are booking hotel rooms. news 10's sarah lehman is live in our newsroom.

She spoke with a local hotel.

She has more on how the pandemic has impacted them .

And what changes you might see on your next hotel stay.

Most hotels have empty rooms... more people are staying at home... working less... and not traveling... including right here in terre haute.

"we've had a lot of cancelations.

A lot of changes..."

Hotel doors are open... but many people aren't going through them.

That's because hotels across the country have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

"it is a little slower right now than normal."

Erica free is the general manger for the hilton garden inn on wabash avenue in terre haute.

She says things have slowed down -- but there is light at the end of the tunnel for them..

"a lot of people have changed their dates.

So they've made other arrangements for wedding receptions and family reunions and things like that.

So we are seeing a lot of people alter their dates" in the mean time -- empty rooms have been taken up by front line responders.

"we have people that are traveling here from all over the us.

A lot of health care workers, a lot of traveling nurses, a lot of speciality doctors.

/// it will allow guests to rest recharge or isolate themselves from family members or coworkers."

Outside of that -- hotels have taken a lot of extra steps to make sure their employees and guests stay safe.

"we have had shields installed at the front desk we've provided all of our team members with ppe gear.

/// we pay extra special attnetion to all of our public space including door handles and knobs.

/// but yeah just really taking extra steps for our guests."

And free says... "i think it's safe to travel as long as you take precautions and do what feels best for you."

Hotels are still open across the wabash valley.

Free says things like the pool... work out room... and their restuarnt are all closed right now.

Reporting live in the newsroom i'm sarah lehman news 10 back to you.