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HB2 takes an economic toll in Raleigh and around NC

BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD
The Shimmer Wall on the Raleigh Convention Center, right, is seen at dusk last November. The sun has also set on some of Raleigh’s convention and visitor business since the passage of HB2 in March.
The Shimmer Wall on the Raleigh Convention Center, right, is seen at dusk last November. The sun has also set on some of Raleigh’s convention and visitor business since the passage of HB2 in March. Chris Seward cseward@newsobserver.com

When it comes to the battle over the ridiculous HB2 law that opens the way for discrimination and infringes on the rights of local government to outlaw it, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is on the front lines of the backlash.

And the battlefield isn’t looking good.

As reported by WRAL, the Capital City is going to be in trouble thanks to HB2. Statistics from the group show the city could lose as much as $40 million in business because of tremendously negative reaction to the law. The bureau said losses directly connected to HB2 so far are $4.4 million based on 10,271 hotel room nights canceled and a drop in attendance at meetings and conventions of 6,858 people.

Elsewhere, Charlotte is looking at a big economic loss if the NBA cancels the 2017 All-Star Game scheduled for the Queen City. Asheville’s tourist business is suffering. And some coastal areas are worried about a downturn in vacationers next summer. (Most of this summer’s rentals were set before HB2 passed in March.)

HB2 is the mess that keeps on taking.

This story was originally published July 7, 2016 at 7:43 PM with the headline "HB2 takes an economic toll in Raleigh and around NC."

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