WASHINGTON (March 22, 2021) – The following is a statement from Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, on the Senate confirmation of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as Secretary of Labor.

“On behalf of the hotel industry, we congratulate Marty Walsh on his confirmation as Secretary of Labor. AHLA has partnered with Secretary Walsh on several occasions when he was mayor of Boston, from creating a level playing field in the lodging sector to investing in our workforce. Secretary Walsh understands the value hotels bring to our communities, not only in their economic impact, but also the human impact by offering lifelong careers and upward mobility. AHLA shares Secretary Walsh’s commitment to registered apprenticeships, and we have a long and successful track record of building strong hospitality talent with this vital program. We look forward to working with him and other officials on issues critical to the success of the hotel industry. 
 
“Right now, hotels are facing historically low occupancy, massive job loss, and record hotel closures—and travel is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023. We stand ready to work with Secretary Walsh and the new Administration to develop policies that ensure our industry survives this crisis so that the women and men who are the heart of hospitality can get back to work.”