U.S. Hotels Push Hard for Industry-Specific Relief Fund From Congress
Photo Credit: The U.S. hotel industry's leading lobbying group outlined Tuesday key measures it wants included in the next round of coronavirus economic relief. Flickr / USCapitol
Skift Take
Time is ticking for the U.S. hotel industry to convince Congress to deliver industry-specific aid similar to what the airline industry received. Continued high unemployment and suspended operations at hotels are why Washington should listen.
Executive and lobbyist eyes from across all industries are on Washington this week, as the House and Senate ramp up talks on another coronavirus relief package.
For the hotel industry, whatever legislation results is poised to be the final economic shot in the arm before summer leisure travel — currently propping up the struggling industry — dissipates in the fall and voters head to the polls for the 2020 presidential election.
“If they’re not able to get something done, we’ll have a serious problem on our hands,” American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO Chip Rogers said. “As people stop taking vacations [in the fall], if there’s no business travel and a lot of forbearance and forgiveness — which is usually offered in 90-day terms — come due, expenses will go up, and revenue will go down in a scenario where many are already struggling to break even.”
The AHLA announced Tuesday morning a list of key measures the U.S. hotel industry needs to survive. Th
