Chico State virtual graduation to hurt hotel industry

Hotel Diamond owner explains virtual graduation is going to hurt them, but said the pandemic in general, has already caused tremendous losses for the hotel industry.

Chico state announced its 2021 commencement ceremonies - once again - will be be virtual only.

The university said it had hoped for an in-person ceremony but it is confident that in nine weeks from now -- california and butte county will*no* be in a situation where it can host the graduates -- and their families -- safely.

The virtual ceremonies will be held may 20-th through the 23.

Action news now reporter amy lanski spoke to a hotel owner about the impact the announcement will have on business owners who depend on the thousands who normally would come to chico for graduation.

Amy: "one of the many industries that have struggled during the pandemic is the hotel industry.

I spoke to the owner of hotel diamond wayne cook, who did not want to go on camera, but we spoke on the phone and he said the switch to virtual graduation will hurt them tremendously, saying it is usually a big boost for them.

Cook says the pandemic in general has been a big wound.

He said at the start of it they were closed for three months, but now they are back open.

Even though the hotel is back open, well the bar and restuarant is still closed.

Cook added even though they have been open, they still have staggering losses from the pandemic.

Cook says the occupancy levels, well they are still very low.

Chico mayor andrew coolidge says he knows the switch to virtual graduation will be hard on not only chico, but also the surrounding cities."

Coolidge: "the out of town parents when they come and stay they are not just staying in the city of chico.

They could be staying in oroville they could be staying in red bluff or corning or anywhere along those lines because sometimes the hotels are very booked out, it is an impact to the entire region because that is such a big weekend."

Coolidge says the city is working with chico state to keep a strong relationship.

Coolidge: "there is areal partnership there, but i want to keep strengthening that partnership and i know president hutchinson feels the same way."

Amy: "i reached out to other hotels all through chico and they did not have time for interviews, but they did say the pandemic has been very hard on them.

Reporting from chico amy lanski action news now coverage you can count on."

Cook says they "one of the many industries that have struggled during the pandemic is the hotel industry.

I spoke to the owner of hotel diamond wayne cook, who did not want to go on camera, but we spoke on the phone and he said the switch to virtual graduation will hurt them tremendously, saying it is usually a big boost for them.

Cook says the pandemic in general has been a big wound.

He said at the start of it they were closed for three months, but now they are back open.

Even though the hotel is back open, well the bar and restuarant is still closed.

Cook added even though they have been open, they still have staggering losses from the pandemic.

Cook says the occupancy levels, well they are still very low.

Chico mayor andrew coolidge says he knows the switch to virtual graduation will be hard on not only chico, but also the surrounding cities."

Coolidge: "the out of town parents when they come and stayre%p time for interviews, but they