US / UK: In North America and across the United Kingdom, hospitality professionals are calling on president Donald Trump and the UK government for financial relief and to appoint a minister for hospitality respectively.
The CEO’s of major hotel brands in the States including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG and Best Western, as well as independently owned hotels, have co-signed a letter to president Trump to provide the industry with financial relief by utilising funds from the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP).
According to a recent survey of hotel owners, more than two-thirds of hotels report that they will only be able to last six more months at current projected revenue and occupancy levels without further relief.
Three out of every 10 hotel employees are now furloughed or laid off, meaning that further support could help to save jobs and avoid hotel closure.
The letter reads: “Mr. President, we believe you have the power to call for immediate modifications to the MSLP to increase participation and help thousands of businesses that have been crippled by the pandemic through no fault of their own. We strongly urge you to use your executive authority to direct the Treasury to encourage the Federal Reserve to amend and expand the Main Street Lending Program. Your engagement is desperately needed to support struggling businesses, stem the impending wave of foreclosures, and save millions of jobs to ensure the health of the entire American economy.”
The full letter, along with signatories, can be read here.
In the UK, an online petition is also being circulated for the British government to appoint a minister for hospitality.
The country is responsible for around three million jobs within hospitality, and generates £130 billion in activity, resulting in £38 billion in taxation. Unlike the arts or sports however, hospitality does not have a dedicated minister.
In order for the petition to be considered by the UK government, it must get 100,000 signatures. At the time of writing, it’s only received 31,310.
Further details about the petition can be found here.
