Americans concerned for small businesses
Americans are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of the economy, and 90% support the U.S. Congress passing another economic stimulus bill to help distressed small businesses and employees, according to a new survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Some 89% of those surveyed agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package.
U.S. leads in hotel openings during pandemic
The U.S. opened more hotels and rooms than any country between the beginning of March and end of September, according to global pipeline data from STR. At the same time, the country has shown significant growth in project deferrals and abandonments. As of October 1, the U.S. opened 521 properties accounting for 55,395 rooms over the seven-month period. Five additional countries have opened more than 2,000 rooms throughout the course of the pandemic.
1. U.S. (55,395 rooms)
2. China (23,470 rooms)
3. Japan (16,304 rooms)
4. Germany (9,027 rooms)
5. Canada (2,748 rooms)
6. United Kingdom (2,481 rooms)
Year to date through September, 211 projects in the U.S. were deferred, a 56% increase over the same period last year. Additionally, 232 projects were abandoned, a 16% decrease over 2019. The number of rooms in construction in the U.S. has declined from the country’s peak in April (220,207 rooms). In September, the U.S. had 216,063 rooms in construction, which was still up 6.1% year over year.
U.S. travelers hungry
A recent survey of potential U.S. holiday travelers shows that many are eyeing the next six to eight months, with the preferred method of travel being flight, according to a new survey. The survey, conducted by The Door, a hospitality marketing firm, and Social Studies, a social media technology company, reached 600 frequent travelers who live in the U.S., 58% of whom took six or more trips in 2019. The survey found:
• 68% of respondents are hopeful to travel in the next six to eight months, with air travel being the most preferred method
• Preferred travel destination: 53% beach versus 2% cruise
• Length of desired stay is three to five nights for domestic travel among 75% of respondents