AH&LA RESPONDS TO LAWMAKERS’ COMMENT ON AVOIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DUE TO SWINE FLU

press release

AH&LA Responds to Lawmakers' Comment on Avoiding Public Transportation

Lodging Industry Asks Elected Officials to Acknowledge in Public Remarks that Travel To and Within U.S. Has Been Declared Safe

Washington, D.C., April 30, 2009 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released the following statement from President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney in response to comments by lawmakers that discourage Americans from using public transportation facilities and equipment during the swine H1N1 flu situation:

“Elected officials in this country carry a powerful responsibility to make the right statements during an influenza crisis. Their words will influence millions of Americans, so it’s imperative that they make informed statements.

“Health officials have repeatedly stated that travel to or within the United States is safe. President Obama has stated that reasonable health precautions, such as frequent hand washing or staying home if one falls ill, should govern our activity during this crisis. Cutting back on travel today will not help this nation weather this storm.

“The American hotel industry urges our elected officials in every office, from President to Vice President and throughout Congress, to think carefully about what they are advising the American people to do, and base their comments on researched information. We will all depend on their actions to help safely lead the U.S. lodging industry and American public through this health crisis.”

For more information on AH&LA's reaction to swine flu and resources for hoteliers and media, please visit the AH&LA Swine Flu Information Webapge.

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Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.