WASHINGTON–Nearly three-quarters of hotel owners say that without additional government assistance they will be forced to lay off employees.
A new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) indicates “the hotel industry remains on the brink of collapse because of the pandemic.”
The survey found 68% of hotels have less than half of their typical, pre-crisis staff working full time, and without further governmental assistance, 74% of respondents said they would be forced to lay off additional employees.
AHLA said it conducted the survey of hotel industry owners, operators, and employees from Sept. 14-16, with more than 1,000 respondents.
Among other key findings:
- Half of hotel owners said that they are in danger of foreclosure by their commercial real estate debt lenders due to COVID-19
- 67% report that they will only be able to last six more months at current projected revenue and occupancy levels absent any further relief
‘Save Hotel Jobs’
Seeking to raise awareness for hotel industry priorities, the AHLA said it has rallied its members to “Save Hotel Jobs,” a grassroots initiative for hoteliers across the country to urge lawmakers to swiftly pass additional stimulus relief before departing on recess to campaign. “This ongoing effort by hoteliers has resulted in more than 200,000 letters, calls, and tweets to members of Congress, an unprecedented demonstration of unity and support,” the AHLA said.
Among hotel owner respondents, nearly half are in danger of foreclosure by commercial real estate lenders, the association added.
“It’s time for Congress to put politics aside and prioritize the many businesses and employees in the hardest-hit industries. Hotels are cornerstones of the communities they serve, building strong local economies and supporting millions of jobs,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “Every Member of Congress needs to hear from us about the urgent need for additional support so that we can keep our doors open and bring back our employees.”