In order to make the case for new grant and loan assistance for the state’s lodging industry, WH&LA recently shared numbers from an internal survey showing that 47% of lodging facilities could close within 12 months without loan or grant assistance. The survey also shows that more than 50% of Wisconsin’s lodging properties have staff that remain furloughed or laid off. Lodging is the bedrock of Wisconsin’s Tourism economy, which supports more than 200,000 jobs throughout the state and brings in $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. The shuttering of lodging properties will have a huge ripple effect on local economies throughout the entire state.
More recent national numbers from the American Hotel & Lodging Association show that the industry is slipping even further into despair, as 68% of hoteliers reporting they will only be able to last six more months at current projected revenue and occupancy levels absent any further relief. Furthermore, 74% reported that they would be forced into further layoffs without relief.
As you are talking to your elected officials in your community, we kindly ask that you make sure they are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is the single greatest crisis the hotel and lodging industry has ever faced and the situation remains dire. We need to see some true leadership out of Madison and at the federal level if the hotel and lodging industry is going to weather this storm.
Of course WH&LA is here to advocate on your behalf, and we’ll let you know if and when any new aid becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions or pressing needs that WH&LA can assist with, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kind regards,
Bill Elliott, CAE
President & CEO
