AHLA CEO: U.S. aid package falls short
In a statement, AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers commended the U.S. Senate’s passage of its recent coronavirus relief bill, but he also said it does not do enough for hoteliers. In the statement, he noted that the legislation limits a small-business loan to 250% of average monthly payroll, which “will not allow a business owner to meet both payroll and debt service obligations beyond an estimated four to eight weeks. Consequently, it will result in furloughing the very workers the bill seeks to protect… The outlook for the foreseeable future is zero revenue for most hotels. If a hotelier cannot make debt payments the business will go under and the jobs are lost.”
Impact on Singapore hotels
A survey by Horwath HTL Singapore, in conjunction with the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), gauged the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the region. Here’s what they found: Some 62% of respondents believe the impact will be felt for more than six months, and 55% felt that it is “much worse” than any previous health scares. Total revenue performance for first-half 2020 is expected to be down 50% or more, say 83% of respondents, and total revenue performance for fiscal year 2020 is expected to be down 50% or more, according to 62% of respondents.
Four Seasons NYC steps up front-line workers
Following in the footsteps of other hotels that have offered free or low-cost stays for those addressing the coronavirus crisis directly, the Four Seasons Hotel New York has offered to provide complimentary stays for medical personnel. It’s not currently clear which hospitals will house medical personnel at the hotel, which is within 30 blocks of several facilities.
TripAdvisor takes its own steps
TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer released a video statement addressing some of the steps the company is taking during the crisis, including: encouraging governments across the globe to support public policies that help protect the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors; reviewing the company’s paid subscription and media products to identify ways to ease the financial strain on the most impacted businesses; and adding take-away and delivery features to its platform, so restaurants can continue to serve customers.