Salem Business Owners Predicting Summer Tourism Boom As State Reopens

SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Monday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that the state will fully reopen on May 29 and the news is a welcome announcement for tourist-related businesses who get a lot of summertime traffic.

Tourism is to Salem what car racing is to Indianapolis, a big part of the city's economy and reputation.

That part of Salem was missing during most of the Coronavirus pandemic, and now, business owners say the state is reopening just in time for the summer season.

Chris Barry, the owner of Silver Moon Comics and Collectibles said reopening is welcome news.

"I think it's great, it's going to be great for business, a lot of people are hurting so it's going to help," said Barry.

READ MORE: MIAA: Masks No Longer Required Outside For High School Athletes

He added he's a little worried about people coming in from all over and possibly not being vaccinated.

"We got to follow the Governor's rules so, it's going to be no masks as of May 29 I believe and we'll honor that policy ourselves," said Barry.

He said he'll keep wearing a mask himself for a bit longer, until he feels totally comfortable. 

Rob Fitz, the owner of the Magic Parlor also in Salem, agreed with Barry and is glad the pandemic restrictions are about to be lifted.

He said he thinks summer business will be booming this year and he is already seeing an increased demand.

"Cause people are so sick of being pent up in their houses, they want to do something fun, and they want to get fun things and that's what our store is all about," said Fitz.

WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) Reports:

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(Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio)


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