Business travel lag sets off widespread economic decline

A sharp reduction in business travel that may last for years is having a ripple effect on the economy in many communities, as the cancellation of events and conventions takes a toll on industries ranging from hotels and rental car businesses to restaurants and aircraft manufacturers. “The global pandemic brought an immediate closure to large-scale venues resulting in economic impacts at a scale never seen in our lifetime,” said Craig Stroud, executive director of the Oregon Convention Center.