Hotel industry supports California wildfire victims
Associations organize donation drives to provide essential supplies and aid to affected areas
By Ed Brock & Vishnu Rageev RJan 14, 2025
LOS ANGELES AREA hotelier Sunil “Sunny” Tolani cut short a visit to Vatican City in order to come home and support his neighbors affected by the recent wildfires that have swept the city. He even had to miss his scheduled meeting with Pope Francis.
“His cardinals and chief of staff understood and will convey our message and greetings,” said Tolani, who is founder and CEO of charity operation The Prince Organization. “That is the right thing to do and the pope will be proud of it.”
Many other members of the hotel industry are working together to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles County, where fires destroyed thousands of structures and claimed 24 lives. Hotels are offering discounted or complimentary stays to displaced residents and emergency responders.
As of Jan. 13, the Palisades and Eaton fires have caused 24 confirmed deaths. While the total number of structures burned remains unknown, these fires rank among California's most destructive in recent history.
United for the cause
Industry associations, including AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles and the California Hotel & Lodging Association, have intensified efforts to help victims by organizing donation drives and partnerships to provide essential supplies and aid.
AAHOA’s Charitable Foundation recently launched the "Hope & Haven: California Wildfire Recovery Initiative" to support affected communities through room-night donations, fundraising, and community engagement. AHLA and its foundation are sharing resources from members, partners, and government agencies. Those offering additional support are encouraged to submit details via an online form for member updates.
Miraj Patel, AAHOA chairman, noted that member hoteliers across California are sheltering displaced families.
“True hospitality offers safety, care, and hope, highlighting the compassion and leadership of AAHOA members,” he said.
Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation president, expressed sorrow for the devastation on X, emphasizing the industry's role in providing housing, food, and care.
“My heart is heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires in California,” she wrote. “To everyone impacted by this tragedy—the individuals and families, the businesses, the brave members of the hotel workforce, the incredible staff and young people we proudly support through our LA-based community impact partners, and our hospitality students and schools—I am holding you close.”
“We are devastated by the destruction of the fires raging across the Los Angeles region,” HALA said. “Hotels are taking in thousands of displaced Angelenos and emergency responders. Many hotels are providing discounted rates, necessities left behind during evacuation, and pet accommodations. We’re also donating bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters. We stand ready to continue assisting Angelenos and first responders.”
HALA also said its members have taken in thousands of evacuees from the Palisades and Eaton fires, often at discounted rates, along with nearby residents seeking better air quality. Many hotels are waiving pet fees or adjusting policies to accept pets, the association said.
Tolani said he’s providing housing to three families who were displaced by the fire and donating his time to help others. He believes the city will recover.
“Despite the heartbreak and frustration, Los Angeles will rebuild,” he said. “Together, we will support those who have lost so much, stand by our first responders and emerge stronger. Americans have always risen to the occasion in times of crisis and this time will be no different.”
The California Hotel & Lodging Association emphasized the importance of addressing community needs while avoiding price gouging within the lodging industry as the state and industry cope with the fire's impact.
Under California Penal Code 396, hotel room prices cannot exceed 10 percent of the pre-disaster rate for 30 days following a disaster emergency declaration. Senate Bill 1363 was enacted to limit rate hikes after natural disasters, capping increases at 10 percent for 30 days while allowing seasonal rate adjustments, contracted rates and increases due to higher costs for goods or labor.
“A violation of this law is a misdemeanor,” the association said. “Penal Code Section 396(g) states: A violation of this section shall constitute an unlawful business practice and an act of unfair competition. We hope this proclamation helps mitigate public safety risks stemming from the fire and windstorm.”
Support in times of crisis
Companies such as Marriott International, Choice Hotels International, Hilton Hotels Corp. and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts have offered support to wildfire victims. These hotel chains are actively contributing to rescue efforts.
“This industry has always been about people—about showing up for communities during the hardest of times,” Blue said. “The resilience, generosity, and compassion of the hospitality workforce are unmatched, and we are proud to see how our industry leads with heart in moments of crisis.”
Marriott is supporting the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen in responding to the California wildfires. Marriott Bonvoy members can donate points to these organizations, with Marriott matching up to 50 million points through March.
Choice launched a campaign supporting American Red Cross wildfire relief, matching donations from Choice Privileges members up to $25,000. Additional contributions may come from Choice associates through the company’s corporate charity matching program, Choice Gives.
“By matching donations, we hope to amplify the impact of our members' generosity,” said Megan Brumagim, Choice Hotels’ vice president for upscale brands and chief sustainability officer.
Hilton Hotels is prioritizing the safety of guests and team members while monitoring the situation. Hilton properties remain open, and modification or cancellation penalties may be waived for stays through Jan. 13. "Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles County," a spokesperson said.
Wyndham confirmed that most of its hotels in the area are open, accommodating guests, local residents, and relief crews. Many properties have relaxed cancellation policies for travelers modifying their plans.
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of Airbnb, is working with 211 LA to provide free temporary housing in Los Angeles County. These stays are fully funded by Airbnb.org and generous hosts, many of whom offer their homes for free or at a discount through the platform. Vrbo has announced that it will offer refunds to guests needing to cancel reservations, with no penalties to hosts, The New York Times reported.
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County, making federal assistance available to individuals as well as state, tribal, and local governments. Applications for assistance can be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.
Peachtree adds six hotels to third-party platform.
Five are owned by La Posada Group, one by Decatur Properties.
Third-party portfolio totals 42 hotels.
PEACHTREE GROUP’S HOSPITALITY management division added six hotels to its third-party management platform. Five are owned by La Posada Group LLC and one by Decatur Properties Holdings.
La Posada’s hotels include Fairfield Inn Evansville East in Evansville, Indiana; Fairfield Inn Las Cruces and TownePlace Suites Las Cruces in Las Cruces, New Mexico; and SpringHill Suites Lawrence Downtown and TownePlace Suites Kansas City Overland Park in Kansas, Peachtree said in a statement.
It also assumed management of Decatur Properties’ Hampton Inn in Monahans, Texas.
“Our third-party management business is experiencing growth and these six hotels demonstrate the trust owners are placing in our team,” said Vickie Callahan, president of Peachtree’s hospitality management division. “We have experience managing hotels and managing operations for partners who have entrusted us with their assets. We are committed to protecting asset value, driving results for partners and delivering a strong guest experience.”
The division manages hotels across brands and markets nationwide, the statement said. It operates 115 hotels across 29 brands with 14,212 rooms in 27 states and Washington, D.C. The additions bring its total third-party operations to 42 hotels.
Callahan said the team uses scale, operating systems and brand relationships to optimize revenue, control costs and improve guest satisfaction.
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel, principal.
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AHLA Foundation distributed $710,000 in scholarships to 246 students.
Nearly 90 percent of recipients come from underrepresented communities.
The foundation funds students pursuing education and careers in the lodging sector.
AHLA FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTED $710,000 in academic scholarships to 246 students at 64 schools nationwide for the 2025–2026 academic year. Nearly 90 percent of recipients are from underrepresented communities, reflecting the foundation’s focus on expanding access to hospitality careers.
The foundation awards academic scholarships annually to students in hospitality management and related programs, it said in a statement.
“Our scholarship program is helping ensure the next generation of talent has the resources to pursue careers in the hospitality industry,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation's president and CEO. “We’ve invested millions of dollars over the last several decades to recruit and support future leaders who will strengthen our industry.”
It provides funding to help students pursue education and careers in the lodging sector, the statement said. Award decisions are based on applicants’ academic performance, extracurricular involvement, recommendations and financial need.
In September, AHLA Foundation, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration announced plans to expand education opportunities for hospitality students. The alliance aim to provide data, faculty development and student engagement opportunities.
The U.S. government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to agree on funding.
About 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed daily, costing $400 million.
Key immigration and labor programs are halted.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT shut down at midnight after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on funding. Disputes over healthcare subsidies and spending priorities left both sides unwilling to accept responsibility.
The shutdown could cost America’s travel economy $1 billion a week, the U.S. Travel Association said previously. It will disrupt federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration and hurt the travel economy, USTA CEO Geoff Freeman wrote in a Sept. 25 letter to Congress.
“A shutdown is a wholly preventable blow to America’s travel economy—costing $1 billion each week—and affecting millions of travelers and businesses while straining an already overextended federal travel workforce,” Freeman said. “While Congress recently provided a $12.5 billion down payment to modernize our nation’s air travel system and improve safety and efficiency, this modernization will stop in the event of a shutdown.”
USTA said that halting air traffic controller hiring and training would worsen a nationwide shortage of more than 2,800 controllers and further strain the air travel system.
About 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed each day at a cost of about $400 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Essential services to protect life and property remain operational, CNN reported. The Department of Education said most of its staff will be furloughed, while the Department of Homeland Security will continue much of its work. Agencies released contingency plans before the deadline.
Immigration services are directly affected. Most U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services operations continue because they are fee funded, but programs relying on appropriations—such as E-Verify, the Conrad 30 J-1 physician program and the special immigrant religious worker program—are suspended. Houston law firm Reddy Neumann Brown said employers must manually verify I-9 documents if E-Verify goes offline, though USCIS has historically extended compliance deadlines.
The Department of Labor will halt its Office of Foreign Labor Certification, freezing labor condition applications for H-1B visas, PERM applications and prevailing wage determinations, India’s Business Standard reported. Its FLAG system and related websites will also go offline. Immigration lawyers warn of ripple effects, since USCIS depends on DOL data. The Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and administrative law dockets will also pause.
Visa and passport services at U.S. consulates generally continue because they are fee funded. If revenue falls short at a post, services may be limited to emergencies and diplomatic needs.
Reuters reported that the disruption could delay the September jobs report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from active-duty U.S. troops and disrupt other government operations. The funding standoff involves $1.7 trillion in discretionary agency spending—about one-quarter of the $7 trillion federal budget, according to Reuters. Most of the rest goes to health programs, retirement benefits and interest on the $37.5 trillion national debt.
According to The New York Times, unlike previous shutdowns, Trump is threatening long-term changes to the government if Democrats do not concede to demands, including firing workers and permanently cutting programs they support.
The U.S. led global travel and tourism in 2024 with $2.6 trillion in GDP, WTTC reported.
India retained ninth place with $249.3 billion in GDP.
The sector supported 357 million jobs in 2024, rising to 371 million in 2025.
THE U.S. LED global travel and tourism in 2024, contributing $2.6 trillion to GDP, mainly from domestic demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Europe accounted for five of the top 10 destinations, while India ranked 9th.
WTTC opened its 25th Global Summit in Rome with research showing investment reached $1 trillion in 2024, led by the U.S., China, Saudi Arabia and France.
“These results tell a story of strength and opportunity,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC interim CEO. “The U.S. remains the world’s largest travel and tourism market, China is surging back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Africa are delivering record growth. This year, we are forecasting that our sector will contribute a historic $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019. As Italy hosts this year’s Global Summit, its role as a G7 leader showcases the importance of tourism in driving economies, creating jobs and shaping our shared future.”
The U.S. kept its top position, but international visitor spending is expected to fall by $12.5 billion in 2025, limiting growth to 0.7 percent. China, the second-largest market, contributed $1.64 trillion in 2024 and is forecast to grow 22.7 percent this year. Japan, the fifth-largest market, is expected to rise from $310.5 billion to nearly $325 billion.
Italy, which hosted the summit and is a G7 member, contributed $248.3 billion in 2024, driven by international visitors and the meetings and events sector. Germany, the third-largest market, contributed $525 billion. The UK generated $367 billion despite a fall in international visitor spending, while France and Spain added $289 billion and $270 billion. Europe’s growth was supported by both cultural and modern sectors.
India contributed $249.3 billion in 2024. In June, WTTC reported international visitors spent $36.09 billion in India in last year, up 9 percent from 2019.
Jobs on the rise
Travel and tourism supported 357 million jobs in 2024 and is expected to reach 371 million in 2025, increasing its share of global employment, the WTTC report found. By 2035, the sector is projected to support one in eight jobs worldwide, adding 91 million positions—most in Asia-Pacific—and accounting for one in three new jobs globally.
Uncertainties over trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions could limit sector growth in 2025, the report said. Travel and tourism’s GDP contribution is forecast to rise 6.7 percent, returning toward pre-pandemic averages but still outpacing the 2.5 percent growth projected for the global economy.
The sector is expected to contribute $11.7 trillion, or 10.3 percent of global GDP and add 14.4 million jobs, bringing total employment to 371 million, or 10.9 percent of global jobs. International visitor spending is projected to fully recover, rising 8.6 percent above 2019 levels to nearly $2.1 trillion, while domestic visitor spending is expected to rise 13.6 percent to $5.6 trillion. Annual growth for 2025 is forecast at 10 percent for international and 5.1 percent for domestic spending.
In May, WTTC projected the U.S. stood to lose $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year, falling to under $169 billion from $181 billion in 2024. The council said U.S. needs to do more to welcome international visitors rather than “putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”
President Donald Trump will meet Congress as a shutdown looms.
Democrats say they are ready to negotiate a bipartisan deal.
Thousands of federal jobs and the U.S. travel economy are at risk if a shutdown occurs.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP will meet Congressional leaders on Monday after Senate Democrats rejected a Republican stopgap spending bill to fund the government until Nov. 21. The U.S. Travel Association recently warned a government shutdown could cost the travel economy $1 billion a week.
Democrats want spending bills to reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts, while Republicans want healthcare addressed in broader budget talks, according to Al Jazeera.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are expected to meet Trump at the White House.
“If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down. But they’re the ones that are shutting down government,” Trump told ABC News.
Democrats shifted the blame to Trump but also kept the door open to negotiations.
“President Trump has once again agreed to a meeting in the Oval Office,” the Democratic leaders said. “As we have repeatedly said, Democrats will meet anywhere, at any time and with anyone to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people. We are resolute in our determination to avoid a government shutdown and address the Republican healthcare crisis. Time is running out.”
The government will shut down Wednesday if Congress doesn’t pass a short-term spending bill. The Senate could vote Monday on an extension Democrats previously rejected, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The White House warned that thousands of government jobs could be at risk if the government shuts down at midnight Tuesday. In a memo to federal agencies, the administration said Reduction-in-Force plans would go beyond standard furloughs, according to POLITICO.
Trump reportedly warned Sunday of widespread layoffs if the government shuts down this week.
“We are going to cut a lot of the people that … we’re able to cut on a permanent basis,” he said.
More than 100,000 federal employees could lose their jobs as early as Tuesday if the government shuts down, India’s Times Now reported.
A shutdown would disrupt federal agencies, including the TSA and hurt the travel economy, USTA CEO Geoff Freeman wrote in a Sept. 25 letter to Congress.
A recent Ipsos survey cited in the USTA letter found 60 percent of Americans would cancel or avoid air travel during a shutdown. About 81 percent said shutdowns harm the economy and inconvenience travelers and 88 percent said Congress should act across party lines to prevent one.