The Refinishing Touch Blog

The 2008 Presidential Election is at the forefront of every American citizen's mind, whatever their livelihood or industry. The hospitality sector is no exception.

The August 1 issue of Hotel & Motel Management gives an interesting insight into the election from an hotelier's perspective. The hospitality industry has always held a strong connection with politics: Washington D.C.'s landmark Willard Hotel is fabled to be the place where Ulysses S. Grant coined the term "lobbyist."

This connection continues with the impact of the election, which will determine US economic conditions that impact the hospitality industry including taxes, sustainability, and travel and tourism.

My thoughts on some of these aspects:

Taxes: Permanent tax cuts. If these take place, they will increase business meal deductions and spouse travel deductions. Meanwhile, tax benefits for small businesses and families will increase travel and tourism.

Sustainability: Large-scale and collective movements, whether on a national or global level, will bring the shift in attitudes needed around sustainability more than smaller-scale or isolated state or regional regulations. This is about fundamental global attitudes and the role of politicians in driving change.

Travel and Tourism: Research and development is required on a national and international level to promote tourism in the United States. Especially as stricter security requirements since 9/11 may have changed international attitudes about the United States as a destination. The US Government's support and actions, such as sponsored ads illustrating the myriad of attractions and vacations available within the United States, would help drive tourism.

Sometimes, despite high-level reviews and discussions about the future government, it can be too easy to forget the underlying initiatives, regulations and potential restrictions that impact our industry.

At this point, I hope that future politicians are hospitable to our industry - and the myriad of businesses and individuals that depend on it.

Labels: Hospitality, Lobbyist, Politics