America’s hoteliers applauded the Biden administration’s announcement that it would lift a ban implemented on foreign travelers as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The policy would require travelers to be fully vaccinated and to test negative for the virus. It will take effect in early November. Earlier this year, AAHOA called for new measures to restart international travel safely and pressed the administration on the financial toll the travel ban took on small businesses. AAHOA is also working with the administration to promote vaccine awareness in the hospitality industry.

“With the United States lifting coronavirus travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the hospitality industry,” said AAHOA Interim President & CEO, Ken Greene. “As the borders are reopened for the first time in more than a year, this decision will help revive travel and the hotel industry.”

Travel industry studies estimate that international travel spending in the U.S. fell 76 percent year-over-year compared to 34 percent for domestic travel in 2020.

“Lifting the COVID-19 restrictions on foreign travelers is a significant step towards economic recovery,” said AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel. “The Biden administration’s new policy is the kind of evidence-based framework we’ve been advocating for.”

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation's GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA Member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

Peter Clerkin
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