WASHINGTON, D.C. – The District of Columbia and Events DC have announced a $40 million program to provide additional relief to 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 the industry’s recovery.
“The Hotel Recovery Grant Program is another way we can help our hospitality industry build back better and stronger,” said D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser. “We know how critical hotels are to the business of Washington, D.C. In addition to welcoming millions of visitors each year, they also play an important role in employing local residents. D.C. is open, our hotels are open, and the District is committed to supporting our hospitality workers.”
The program will be structured similarly to the two prior hotel relief programs administered by Events DC and will provide eligible hotels a minimum of $2,000 per hotel room key, capped at 300 room keys. Priority will be given to eligible businesses that did not receive Paycheck Protection Program loans. To be eligible for a grant, the hotel business must meet the following criteria:
– Be physically located in the District of Columbia
– Have an active hotel, inn, motel, or bed and breakfast lodging business license
– Be in good standing with the District of Columbia’s Office of Tax and Revenue
– Have opened and begun operating during 2020 or 2021; or have remained open and operating during that time
– Experienced at least a 40 percent reduction in occupancy, revenue, or revenue per available room or (for new hotels) have incurred significant costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A thriving hospitality and tourism industry in D.C. is the backbone of our local economy and vital to D.C.’s recovery,” said Greg O’Dell, president and CEO of Events DC. “This $40 million relief package will provide crucial support to deserving hospitality partners and will further bolster the District’s ongoing recovery efforts. We remain dedicated to helping our city get back on its feet and reinforcing our position as a world-class, global travel destination.”
