Events DC, Washington DC's convention and sports authority, announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This initiative is designed to provide emergency funding to help DC's local hospitality and tourism industry, which is in need of immediate support. The relief package, approved by Events DC's board of directors, will provide support to restaurants, hotels and undocumented workers in Washington, DC.
The full relief package includes:
- $5 million for hospitality and restaurant recovery efforts, inclusive of both worker and operator relief
- $5 million for hotels recovery efforts, including both worker and operator programs
- $5 million for undocumented workers across Washington, DC
- $3 million dedicated to destination marketing efforts, with the focus first on bringing visitors back to DC
"The hospitality and tourism industry has been upended by the pandemic and Events DC plays an important role with the ability to provide aid and support to our local partners, the backbone of our city's economy," said Max Brown, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Events DC.
The programs included in the funding package will be designed to help hospitality, restaurant and hotel workers specifically, as well as certain operator-related expenses for qualified restaurants and hotels. Proposed programs are currently being evaluated and developed.
The hospitality and tourism industry is Washington, DC's second largest industry, employing more than 80,000 people. Events DC remains says it is committed to helping to drive the economic recovery for the city, through the ongoing promotion and support of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Related Stories
Events DC Adds New Chief Creative Officer Role
GBTA Postpones Annual Convention to November
Stats: Most Americans Working From Home Miss In-Person Meetings
Las Vegas Sands to Donate More than Two Million Pieces of Personal Protection Equipment