AH&LA Addresses Congress On Industry Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C.— American Hotel & Lodging Association Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman William Edwards Jr. testified before Congress April 30 on the current state of the the nations $104 billion lodging industry, calling for an ongoing federal travel promotion effort that will bring travelers— and resultant jobs, income, and tax revenues— to the United States, and the need to pass a significant economic growth package that will give the domestic economy a boost. Edwards, area vp/Hilton Hotels Corp. and general manager of the Hilton Washington, made the presentation during a hearing on “Travel and Tourism in America Today,” held by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection. “The lodging industry is facing very challenging times,” said Edwards. “The poor economy, traveler fears, post-9/11 security measures, SARS and other factors have played a part. Many lodging properties have had to take extraordinary measures, including cutting jobs, reducing employee hours and closing restaurant, just to stay in the black.” Among the information presented, the Subcommittee learned: the lodging industry has had to eliminate approximately 130,000 jobs since mid-2001, and has had to shift some employees to part-time work until business improves; Since 2000, domestic business travel is down almost 9% and international arrivals are down 17%; and lodging property profits dropped 9.6% in 2002, on top of the 19.4% drop seen in 2001.