WASHINGTON—U.S. hotel leisure travel revenue is projected to end 2022 14 percent above 2019 levels, while hotel business travel revenue is expected to come within 1 percent of 2019 levels, according to a new analysis released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Kalibri Labs.
The projections are not adjusted for inflation, and real hotel revenue recovery will likely take several more years.
Post-pandemic recovery remains uneven, particularly in many major cities and destinations where business travel continues to lag. Among the top 50 U.S. markets, 80 percent are projected to see hotel leisure travel revenue exceed 2019 levels, but just 40 percent are expected to reach that milestone for business travel revenue. Many urban markets, which rely heavily on business from events and group meetings, are still on the road to recovery.
Here are how the top 10 markets for hotel business and leisure travel revenue are projected to fare this year:
The uptick in revenue is leading to career opportunities for hotel employees, with more than 115,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation. Hotels are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies—81 percent have increased wages, 64 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 35 percent have expanded benefits, according to a September 2022 AHLA member survey.
“The hotel industry continues its march toward recovery, but we still have a way to go before we fully get there,” said AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers. “That’s why AHLA remains focused on working with members, lawmakers, and stakeholders in markets that are rebounding more slowly to ensure the full return of meetings, conferences, and group travel in addition to leisure and business travel. At the same time, we are continuing to grow the industry’s talent pipeline by highlighting the unprecedented career opportunities hotels are offering. Thanks to higher wages, better benefits, and more flexibility and opportunities for advancement, there has never been a better time to work at a hotel.”
To help hotels fill open jobs and raise awareness of the hotel industry’s 200+ career pathways, the AHLA Foundation’s “A Place to Stay” advertising campaign is now active in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, and Tampa.
AHLA recently completed a series of “Hospitality is Working” events in major cities across the country. The campaign has sought to increase business and leisure travel while highlighting the hotel industry’s strong commitment to investing in its workforce, protecting employees and guests, and supporting local communities.
