Congress Takes Up Bill Designed to Bring Back Travel and Events

February 26, 2021
Congress Takes Up Bill Designed to Bring Back Travel and Events

A bipartisan bill to provide a much-needed jolt to the travel and hospitality industries reached the U.S. Senate floor Thursday. Dubbed the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act, the legislation proposes tax incentives to reimplement meetings and events programs and other related services that would bring back millions of jobs lost during the pandemic.

Highlights include:

  • A temporary business tax credit to revitalize business meetings, conferences and other structured events.
  • A temporarily restored entertainment business expense deduction to help entertainment venues and performing arts centers recover.
  • An individual tax credit to stimulate non-business travel.
  • Tax relief for restaurants and food and beverage companies to help restore food service jobs and strengthen the entire American food supply chain.

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), the same senators who issued a recent amendment benefiting the industry, are sponsoring the bill, along with Reps. Steven Horsford (D-NV), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Tom Rice (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

 The travel and hospitality industries have disproportionately been ill-affected by COVID-19. Almost four in 10 U.S. jobs lost in 2020 are in the leisure and hospitality sector, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The economy has lost half a trillion dollars in travel-related spending last year—10 times the negative economic impact of 9/11, the association adds.

 “The evidence is abundantly clear: there will not be a U.S. economic recovery without a travel recovery, and travel cannot recover without strong and innovative policy assistance,” said USTA President and CEO Roger Dow in a statement.

 The bill’s progress is the second positive sign among government agencies that help is on the way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week moved hotel workers up to stage 1c of vaccine distribution. “ 

“Travel and tourism are critical drivers of the American economy, and while travel demand has hit record lows, ensuring hotel employees are prioritized during the vaccine rollout will help keep both employees and guests safe when it becomes safe to travel and resume meetings and events once again,” noted Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Both pieces of news add to the momentum the events industry seems to be attaining. As vaccine distribution advances, several shows have occured in-person and anecdotal evidence suggests booking is rising.

Almost immediately upon the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act’s introduction, USTA issued a letter signed by more than 80 events-related organizations — including CVBs, hotel chains, vendors and industry associations — backing its passage.

“As the broader travel and hospitality industry continues to do its part to provide a safe and healthy environment for its workers and guests—we look to Congress to help put in place the policies needed to facilitate a quick and sustainable economic recovery, ensuring a better and brighter future for all travel workers,” the letter reads.

A similar bill failed last fall, but a new administration and several additional months of a stagnant economy may tip the scales this time around.

“For months we have been urging Congress to provide stimulus for travel demand in addition to the relief this industry so badly needs, and we thank the sponsors for advancing this bill that would do so much to spur recovery,” Dow said.

 

 Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.