In order to maintain funding for key operations and programs, Visit KC announced a mixture of furloughs and job eliminations which will impact 21 of its 47 full-time positions—or 44% of the non-profit's workforce
These changes are effective with the close of business on Friday, May 1.
A dramatic decrease in business and leisure travel in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted Visit KC's largest source of funding—the Kansas City, MO, hotel occupancy tax, also known as the Convention/Tourism Tax. With these latest changes implemented, Visit KC is now better prepared for the additional slip in this revenue stream.
"We are saddened by this necessity," said Jason Fulvi, President and CEO of Visit KC. "This is a tough day for our organization and one that I will never forget. These difficult decisions are critical to our organization's ability to weather the current environment. Still, united with our partners in the hospitality industry, we remain steadfastly committed to our mission, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our destination when the time is right and it's safe to do so."
Furloughed employees will retain their active employment status, including access to all health benefits. In a cost-containment measure enacted on April 10, remaining employees will continue to work reduced hours at reduced pay.
Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, Visit KC supports a vital component of the local economy—supporting more than 48,000 jobs, $1.8 billion in wages and $5.6 billion in estimated economic impact in 2019. For more about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
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