SALT LAKE CITY — New figures released by the Downtown Alliance show how COVID-19 is impacting one of Utah's biggest economic cores.
The figures, shared with FOX 13, show a slow rebuilding for downtown Salt Lake City:
- Only 23% of downtown office workers are back.
- Hotel occupancy is 29% of the 2019 average.
- Passenger travel at SLC International Airport is averaging 10,000 a day, up 1,000 from earlier this month. In 2019, it averaged 25,000 a day.
- The Salt Palace has no conventions scheduled until October.
- 133 restaurants and bars have re-opened, offering some form of takeout or dine-in service. It's an increase of 68% since May 12, but restaurants that are open tell the Downtown Alliance sales are down on average 53% from this time last year.
- 84% of downtown retailers are open with customers returning, according to the Downtown Alliance. Traffic is slower, but sales are closer to last year's figures.
- Arts and entertainment venues remain largely closed. There are some events at The Gateway, while most county-owned venues like the Eccles Theatre, the Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall, etc. have no large gatherings scheduled. Vivint Smart Home Arena and Temple Square are closed.