Due to travel restrictions and other complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, Abilene's tourism industry has taken a huge financial hit.
According to Nanci Liles, executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, some of the city's biggest losses of the year were the Western Heritage Classic, Outlaws and Legends, and graduations.
“We have had 112 groups cancel with the total impact of $11 million ... that did not come into our economy," Liles told KTXS.com.
The lack of tourism also affected restaurants, many of whom were also suffering from a loss of business from state closures. Some businesses saw as much as a 50% loss during these times, including Al's Mesquite Grill.
"Now we are up 65% to 75% since we’ve opened up the inside dining," Al Callaway, the grill's owner, told KTXS.
With more restrictions being lifted, and life slowly going back to normal, the tourism and restaurant industries of Abilene are looking to recover soon.
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