D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Tuesday announced a $40 million program to provide additional relief to qualified hotels, inns, motels, and bed and breakfasts impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the second relief package dedicated to hotels, which amounts to a total of $60 million in relief funds provided by the District to support their industry’s recovery.
“The Hotel Recovery Grant Program is another way we can help our hospitality industry build back better and stronger,” Bowser said. “We know how critical hotels are to the business of Washington, DC. In addition to welcoming millions of visitors each year, they also play an important role in employing D.C. residents. D.C. is open, our hotels are open, and the District is committed to supporting our hospitality workers.”
In 2020, Bowser announced a $100 million Bridge Fund that then disbursed funds via four programs: the Restaurant Bridge Fund, the Hotel Bridge Fund, the Entertainment Bridge Fund, and the Retail Bridge Fund.
“DC is open, and we are thrilled to see visitors from the region and beyond returning to experience our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “But we also know that our hospitality sector – including hotels and the worker they employ – continue to struggle to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic. This second round of relief, which now totals $60 million specific to hotels, will help the industry keep its doors open, continue to provide jobs to many hardworking people, and continue to welcome thousands of visitors that come to Washington, DC daily.”