WASHINGTON, D.C. – The hotel industry, represented by more than 30 hotel associations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Latino Hotel Association and National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, has sent a joint letter to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate leaders urging an end to the government shutdown.
The letter highlights the devastating impact of the federal shutdown on the hotel, travel and hospitality sectors, citing an estimated loss of $650 million in hotel business to date. Each day of the shutdown reportedly costs the economy about $31 million in activity from hotel stays.
“The government shutdown is having a devastating impact on the hotel, travel and hospitality sectors. Economic uncertainty and waning consumer confidence are translating into booking cancellations and discouraging future planning especially as we head into the heart of the holiday travel season,” Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA, stated. “These essential industries fuel our economy and we need our leaders in Washington to come together now and vote to reopen the government as soon as possible.”
Related. U.S. Government Shutdown Impacts Trade Shows
Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, weighed in. “Unfortunately, the shutdown continues,” he said. “While the political dynamics remain fluid in Washington, D.C., at this time it appears likely that the shutdown will last into early-to-mid November,” Goodwin explained.
As a result of the shutdown, flight delays and cancellations are mounting. “Since Oct. 1, more than a dozen air traffic control facilities have reported understaffing and controller absences, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to slow or reroute traffic to maintain safety,” said Goodwin.
This is impacting trade shows.
“Trade show organizers with events taking place in the coming days should continue to communicate with their exhibitors and attendees about the importance of preparing for potential travel disruptions. Leaving ample time for travel uncertainty is critical as long as agents and air traffic controllers are still working unpaid,” Goodwin said.
Some shows have been canceled due to the shutdown. One example is GalaxyCon Milwaukee.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our debut in Milwaukee for our 2025 tour. The recent government shutdown has resulted in massive challenges for our planned inaugural event in Wisconsin. Between additional costs, transportation delays and economic uncertainty for attendees and vendors who are themselves federal employees, the current climate has resulted in some creative adjustments to our events that we feel have not reflected the kind of showing we wish to greet our attendees with in new markets. This decision was not made lightly, and our intention has always been to present a safe, fun atmosphere for all our guests, vendors, attendees and staff,” it wrote on its Facebook page.
Even those gatherings that proceed are being impacted. HLTH in Las Vegas saw top federal officials including Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pull out of scheduled appearances.
Reach Tommy Goodwin at tommy.goodwin@exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org
