In Letter to Congress, Hotel Execs Unite in Support of Meetings
March 06, 2009
In a joint letter to Congress this week, executives from the nation's largest hotel companies have come together in support of meetings, events and incentive travel.
Signed by chief executives from Carlson, Walt Disney, Fairmont, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Loews, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham, the letter rebukes the government's censure of legitimate meetings and calls for Congress to cease across-the-board criticism in favor of support for industry efforts, which have resulted in the recent creation of best practices for companies accepting federal assistance, and which the executives promise will save jobs and encourage ongoing economic growth.
"As executives of some of the nation's largest hotel companies, we understand the economic pressures that have caused many companies to reduce business travel as part of broader cost-cutting measures," reads the letter. "However, we are concerned that legitimate meetings, business events and recognition travel are now being portrayed as perks and symbols of excess. Consequently, many large groups—including those not receiving government assistance—are canceling business meetings and events because they fear being criticized. Make no mistake, these decisions have serious economic consequences."
According to the letter, nearly 200,000 travel-related jobs were lost last year, and another 247,000 are expected to be lost this year. The numbers will grow further, the executives argue, "if the rhetoric is not toned down."
"We certainly recognize your need to be accountable to your constituents and to ensure taxpayer money is being used responsibly," the letter concludes. "The industry has responded by aggregating best practices and developing prudent guidelines for companies to use as a resource; they can be found at www.ustravel.org. We urge you to champion their adoption instead of legislating rules that may unintentionally hinder economic recovery."
The letter is signed by Jay Witzel, president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Thomas W. Storey, president of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts; Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation; Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Global Hyatt Corporation; James R. Abrahamson, president, The Americas, of InterContinental Hotels Group; Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels; J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International; Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide; and Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide.
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