DES MOINES. Iowa - Catch Des Moines has a new plan to help the area's hotel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Buy Now, Visit Later” program lets people buy a $100 bond from any participating hotel, which matures into $150 in six months.
The bond can then be used to book a room at the hotel, or can be gifted to someone else. Hotel operators are hoping Des Moines local people will use the new offer for a staycation or upcoming anniversary.
Hotel occupancy in Des Moines is about 20 percent, sharply down from the normal level of 65 percent this time of year.
Some of the hotels taking part in the "Buy, Now, Visit Later" program include area Hilton brands, Hyatt Place downtown, La Quita in Altoona and the Marriot in West Des Moines.