Catch Des Moines PSA encourages making memories at home
Catch Des Moines has released a public service announcement that encourages people to stay safe and make memories from home as the community continues to practice social distancing to fight the spread of the coronavirus. The video, titled “Memories,” was released Tuesday and draws on memories of past travel while reminding people that once travel resumes, opportunities for reconnecting with family and friends will be cherished more than ever. “Right now, we need to stay safe and support each other at a distance,” said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines and video narrator. “Once the tide has passed, Greater Des Moines has an incredible culture and many safe, clean and affordable amenities that will make our destination very attractive for travelers, as well as meeting and event planners.” Officials with Catch Des Moines say they are encouraging event planners to postpone, not cancel, events. Travel spending generated about $2.5 billion for Polk and Dallas counties in 2018, the latest year data was available. Catch Des Moines has launched several initiatives over the past month to support the local business community, including the DSM Challenge, where people challenge others to buy local during the pandemic.