San Francisco Hotel News & Labor Updates

For Immediate Release Media Contact Sam Singer (415) 227-9700 Proposed “Hotel Fairness Initiative” to Damage San Francisco Economy San Francisco Controller Finds Tax to be Job Killer San Francisco, California (July 6, 2010) – Controller for the City and County of San Francisco finds that the Hotel Fairness Initiative will lead to 7.3 jobs lost for every million dollars in revenue gained. The Hotel Fairness Initiative, which includes a 2 percent increase to the current hotel tax, making it the highest of its kind in the US if passed, will decrease visitors, conferences and events from coming to the City. “There is nothing fair about pink slips and the Hotel Fairness Initiative is a job killer,” said Patricia Breslin, executive director of Hotel Council of San Francisco. “We cannot afford to risk further job loss and jeopardize the economic recovery of the City.” The hospitality industry is a vital part of San Francisco and its health is paramount to the prosperity of the City. Tourism generates more than $8 billion in annual direct spending in San Francisco and is the City’s largest industry. The Hotel Fairness Initiative will not only hurt the hotels but all businesses that service visitors. For every $1 visitors spend in a hotel, they spend $2 outside in local businesses, restaurants, retail and more. When this unjust tax price San Francisco out of reach for visitors and businesses, the loss will be felt throughout the City in all industries as well as in our city government budget. “This initiative could cost the City significant revenue, deliver hundreds of pink slips and disrupt the economic recovery of the City,” said Breslin. For more information, visit www.sfhotelnews.org. ### [...]