Nearly 70% of Americans will not travel for Christmas, according to a recent national survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
As COVID-19 cases spike across the U.S., the CDC is urging consumers to stay home this holiday season. That recommendation, coupled with renewed shutdowns in several states and cities, is compounding the economic challenges hotels have faced throughout the pandemic.
According to the AHLA, 71% of hotels will not last another six months without a substantial relief package.
“We understand the importance of following CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and support the government’s actions,” Chip Rogers, President and CEO of AHLA, said in a statement. "However, … the hotel industry needs aid to survive until travel demand returns. Given this current environment, Congress cannot nor should not contemplate recess until a relief bill is passed now.”
The survey of 2,000 adults was conducted by Morning Consult at the beginning of November. Other findings were just as ominous:
• 44% of Americans surveyed say their next hotel stay for vacation or leisure travel will be a year or more from now, or they have no plans to stay in a hotel
• Only 8% of Americans say they have taken an overnight business trip since March and only 8% expect to travel for business within the next six months
• 62% of employed Americans have no plans to stay in a hotel for business
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