IN-PERSON Manchester Livable Cities

Abstract

COVID-19 exposed the vulnerabilities of the global tourism sector. Abrupt travel bans and social distancing measures resulted in widespread unemployment and halted economic growth in global cities heavily reliant on tourism. The informal tourism sector, including street vendors, unlicensed tour guides, private accommodation providers, and other micro-enterprises, was particularly hard hit. While formal tourism companies were generally better equipped to weather the COVID-19 storm, informal tourism workers and small businesses faced disproportionate hardships. Marginalized groups, including women, youth, and migrant informal tourism workers, bore the brunt of the impact. This article examines the profound effects of COVID-19 on the informal tourism economy and its most marginalized workers through a policy case study of Las Vegas, Nevada. It positions Las Vegas as a global tourist destination where both formal and informal tourism are integral to the local economy. Through this lens, this article highlights the interconnectedness of informal tourism with broader economic, cultural, and social dimensions, shedding light on the structural inequalities within this sector. Las Vegas also serves as a unique study of the resilience and recovery of both formal and informal tourism during times of economic crisis. Post-COVID-19, Las Vegas grew economically faster than pre-pandemic, aided by the diversification of its formal tourism offerings and increased legal and social protections for informal tourism workers. This article outlines resilience and recovery strategies adopted by informal tourism businesses in Las Vegas during COVID-19, offering insights for future crisis and prevention model for policymakers in global cities heavily dependent on tourism.