Burr Refuses to Speak Out on HB2 as Out-Of-State Travelers Opt for "More Progressive State of South Carolina"

Press Release

As incumbent Senator Richard Burr continues to sidestep responsibility and insist that North Carolina's discriminatory HB2 law will not harm the state's economy, tourist agencies from across the state report out-of-state travelers have "crossed North Carolina off their list of destinations" due to HB2 and opted instead for the "more progressive state of South Carolina."

Statement from Cole Leiter, Ross Press Secretary:

"The evidence continues to show how out-of-touch Richard Burr's comments were when he insisted HB2 would not hurt our state's economy. Now, instead of working with his fellow Republicans to undo the damage, he refuses to show any kind of leadership. North Carolina needs a U.S. Senator like Deborah Ross who will work to move North Carolina forward in a positive direction."

ICYMI: Raleigh News and Observer: NC Tourist Industry Concerned About HB2 Fallout

Tourism agencies from Asheville to the Outer Banks have been hearing from out-of-state travelers who oppose the law and say they've crossed North Carolina off their list of destinations.

The economic impact of losing vacationers is hard to measure. Canceled conventions have drawn more attention because they come with dollar figures: Wake County, for example, estimates that House Bill 2-related cancellations have resulted in more than $3 million in lost revenue. Canceled conventions worth millions have also been reported in Charlotte and Greensboro.

Emerald Isle Realty, which manages about 700 vacation homes in the Carteret County beach community, has been keeping tabs on its losses. The company has been hearing from repeat customers who say they won't be coming this year, and so far it's added up to 29 nights of rentals and $20,000 in revenue.

"I've been with this company for 15 years, and this is the first time we've had something like this," director of reservations Katrina Brienza said. "It is very unfortunate to hear."

In Wrightsville Beach, Blockade Runner Beach Resort owner Mary Baggett has also been hearing from families who are changing their plans. One family that had planned a four-night stay at the hotel is heading instead to the "more progressive state of South Carolina," she said, describing the conversation to the Lumina News.

Source