Virginians can expect a relaxation in mask and vaccine requirements when Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin takes office in January.

Youngkin promised on Monday to declare Virginia “open for business” on the day he is inaugurated. Speaking to local and state tourism officials, Youngkin said “We will not have shutdowns, we will not have lockdowns- we will be open,” adding: “That, for me, is a very clear day one task.”

The comments drew applause from the crowd of about 300. Tourism is a vital industry in Virginia that has been stifled by the pandemic.

Tourism generates about $27 billion annually in the commonwealth but lost $17 billion in the last fiscal year because of public health restrictions.

The governor-elect said Monday that he will not mandate masks and vaccines but will not attempt to block localities from implementing their own requirements.

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam has mandated vaccinations or weekly testing for state employees. And while Northam supports requirements from the private sector and local governments, he has not implemented vaccine mandates for teachers and healthcare workers at the state level.