FEDERAL UPDATE – AUGUST 27, 2020

Industry Relief: Congress is officially on recess through Labor Day. Though the U.S. House of Representatives came to Washington for a special session to provide additional funding to the U.S. Postal Service, they did not take up additional coronavirus relief legislation—and the U.S. Senate is not expected to return to vote on the U.S. Postal Service legislation.

We must continue to prepare for Congress’ return to Washington after Labor Day and ensure that when a final relief package is passed, it includes relief, protection and stimulus for the travel industry.

Our action alert urging swift negotiation and passage of legislation benefiting the entire travel industry is available, and we encourage you to make your voice heard.

TAKE ACTION NOW

AHLA Safety Survey: As part of a broad effort to educate the public, press, and policymakers on how hotels are safe and clean for employees and guests, AHLA commissioned a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult. The purpose of the survey is to understand what frequent travelers want and expect with regards to hotel cleaning.

The results of the survey send a clear message. Frequent travelers top three priorities include:

Required face coverings (87% for employees & 85% for guests)
Suspending daily housekeeping of rooms (86%)
Utilizing technology to reduce direct contact (85%)

These priorities align with AHLA’s Safe Stay Guest Checklist and CDC recommendations, and reinforce the importance of the Safe Stay initiative, workforce training, and the efforts of our industry.

Nearly nine out of ten (88%) frequent travelers say that limiting in-room housekeeping to “by request only” would increase their comfort level. Nearly three in five (58%) guests do not want daily housekeeping, and 58% would not be comfortable with housekeeping staff entering their room without advance permission.

To amplify our efforts, AHLA is distributing the release nationally as well in addition to policymakers at the local, state and federal level, and amplifying key findings on social media.