Bigger companies are returning PPP funds, but that doesn't mean small hotel operators are having an easier time getting relief from the downturn in travel.
Douglas Kessler's resignation only addresses one part of a luxury hotel portfolio tied to Monty Bennett receiving tens of millions of dollars in small business relief.
Airlines are reverting to old strategies, like so-called tag flights, to try to maintain service in an era of depressed demand. It is not a panacea, but it might help them conserve cash for a bit longer.
Hotel groups continue to have a receptive audience in Washington regarding relief funds, but they will need to be careful not to overstep in asking for stimulus further down the recovery path.
Kevin O’Malley has joined forces with the biggest agencies in a new lobbying group, but with the virus escalating, it's not guaranteed they'll be able to bend the ear of Washington.
While the federal relief package aimed at protecting small businesses and workers during the coronavirus economic downturn passed with impressive speed, it isn't a hotel industry silver bullet. The measure is likely just a first legislative step in getting hotels back to performance levels needed to return tens of thousands of furloughed employees to their jobs.