Hotel CEOs Say US Immigration Policy Is Harming Industry
The America-first policy of the Trump administration is hurting US hotels, the CEOs of major hotel companies said Monday.
"President Trump is clearly calculated in his interests to be anti-immigration and in effect anti-foreign, and you end up with a voice heard around the world as, 'It's harder to get into the US.' It makes [the US] less welcoming than it was before," Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International told the crowd at a hotel industry conference.
The comments came minutes after the CEO of Loews Hotels said that the hospitality industry needs "a rational, coherent national immigration policy" immediately in older to find enough staff for its properties.
"Traditionally, immigrants have been a valued source of talent for our industry. That's been true for decades," Jonathan Tisch said during keynote remarks at the 41st annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York. "We're extremely proud of that record. Immigrants make our industry – and our country -- stronger – and they provide a huge boost to America's economy."
Hotel occupancy is at record highs. New properties are opening every day.
But with the nation's unemployment rate at a 50-year low, many hotels are struggling to find qualified workers to staff their front desks, clean rooms, serve meals and do a host of things to make guests' stays seamless.
Tisch, a long-time donor to Democratic candidates, criticized the current political climate in Washington, DC, and the lack of willingness to compromise for the problem. He called on hotel leaders to lobby their elected officials.
"Tell them why finding a solution to immigration is crucial to our industry. Let them know you see compromise as an act of leadership. And that it's time to get the job done," Tisch told the crowd of hotel executives and industry financiers.
While Tisch didn't mention President Trump by name, his speech took several clear shots at him and his administration's policies regarding immigration.
"Many of us have stories about our own family's immigration experience; how our ancestors came to America and built a better life – not just for themselves, but for all of us. My family's American story began in 1904 when my grandfather Al arrived as a child at Ellis Island," he said. "Obviously, a coherent, rational immigration policy is vital to our industry's success."
Marriott's Sorenson however did blame the president for the lack of a coherent message to foreigners. He suggested that industry leaders separate the immigration issue from that of temporary foreign tourists. He said that the US is no longer welcoming.
Sorenson said the US needs "a president in the White House saying to immigration authorities, defense authorities, homeland security that we want to reconcile the different agendas of those departments to drive international tourism to the US."
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.