IMPORTANT ALERT FROM HOSPITALITY TN PRESIDENT/CEO ROB MORTENSEN:
As we have been keeping in contact with state officials through this crisis,
I HAVE BEEN ASSURED BY GOVERNOR BILL LEE'S OFFICE THAT HE IS NOT CONTEMPLATING SHUTTING DOWN RESTAURANTS STATEWIDE.
It's important to note that any Federal action could supersede this, as would possible action by local government. It is vital that our industry contact their local and federal leaders and inform them of the impact any such closures would have on your business.
AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION CALL TO ACTION
With Congress and the Administration currently considering
phases two and three
of coronavirus relief packages, and the hotel industry meeting with the White House later today (see below), we must continue to relay stories of the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic being faced by thousands of hoteliers and millions of associates across the country. Thanks to those of you who have already engaged AHLA’s
HotelsAct grassroots alert
. A sampling of stories from across the country is attached for your reference and use. Now is the time to redouble your efforts to share those stories and engage Members of Congress!
Other resources for your advocacy:
- COVID-19’s Impact on the Hotel Industry – A new page on AHLA’s website housing collateral materials to support our collective advocacy efforts.
- AHLA has launched a social media campaign (Facebook, Twitter) highlighting many of the stories we’re hearing from you and your members. Examples of that content for your reference and use are attached. We are also using these stories to engage hotelier voices in local and national media.
US TRAVEL INDUSTRY LOBBY HEADS TO WHITE HOUSE
(CNBC/March 17, 2020) Lobbying groups representing the country’s travel and tourism industry are headed to the White House today to meet with Vice President Mike Pence and other officials to discuss the industry’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the “catastrophic economic impact on the hotel industry, its employees and U.S. economy,” U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association confirmed.
Travel Economics is forecasting a 10% drop in international visits to the U.S. a year, about double the decline the U.S. faced during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003. This implies 8.2 million lost visitors in one year, even more than the 7.7 million international travelers lost in 2001 and 2002, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In all, it anticipates 825,000 jobs could be lost in the industry.
The lobby groups have asked for a number of relief measures, including tax credits for employee retention, the deferment of quarterly tax payments, and the ability to carry back net-operating-losses, CNBC has reported. It is unclear what measures the White House is currently considering.
