Strategic Hotel's CEO Calls for an End to Congressional Rhetoric
MARCH 19, 2009 - The current political climate wherein legitimate meetings, business events and recognition travel are now being portrayed as perks and symbols of excess by government leaders further threatens the economic foundation of the hotel and hospitality industry.
If the hyperbole and rhetoric are not toned down, job losses will exceed the 247,000 travel industry jobs projected to be lost in 2009.
We have seen cancellations skyrocket in the last month and this threatens to greatly worsen an industry already in crisis. In the past month, one of our hotels -- The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay -- suffered 32 group cancellations which would have generated $2 million in direct billings and many times that in residual economic impact. Staff hours at the hotel have been reduced by approximately 25%. This is just one of our nineteen hotels, and we are one hotel owner amongst thousands.
Congressional leadership must quickly realize the unintended consequences of this rhetoric and publicly champion the benefits of business travel. We must be conscious about fostering a climate wherein the business community is encouraged to spend smartly, inclusive of business travel, and not operate in fear of misplaced criticism. The private hospitality industry -- a $240 billion industry in 2008 that has received no stimulus -- has a critical role to play employing millions of hourly U.S. workers, but cannot do so without a revenue stream.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
