Area economies surrounding Mammoth Cave taking a hit from Covid

MAMMOTH CAVE Ky.-Mammoth Cave National Park isn’t just known for bringing in visitors from all over the world, it’s also a huge economy booster for surrounding areas like Cave City.

Due to the cave’s closure due to Coronavirus, Gregory Davis from the Cave City tourist and convention commission is worried.

“I don’t think anyone actually knew just how devastating this would be. I think just the general unknown has been part of the problem,” Davis said.

Last year, Mammoth Cave welcomed 552 thousand visitors. Visitors who spent $48.1 million in communities like Cave City, supporting 637 jobs, and an economic benefit of $66.1 million.

In 2020, those numbers are likely going to be a lot lower due to the pandemic.

“This year is going to be one for the record books, but it will be for the low side, not for a good year,” Davis said.

In the meantime, the national park has partially reopened.

“We’re happy that we’re able to help our community by bringing tourists in that eat and drink and recreate outside the park as well as inside the park,” said Mammoth Cave public information officer Molly Schroer.

As of Thursday, the cave is offering a single tour with limited capacity.

Davis said there is a bright side. People who have been stuck inside are itching to explore and spend their dollars in Cave City.

“What we’re seeing is for the people out traveling, they seem to be excited and happy and glad to be out,” Davis said.