ATLANTA — Despite possible headwinds from Capitol Hill, the hospitality industry is poised for a healthy 2018. The combination of a strong economy, tax cuts and rising consumer confidence is boosting demand for hotels across the country. Meanwhile, lenders are tightening their purse strings when it comes to new development, leaving hoteliers confident that the industry is on solid footing. Those points were among the big takeaways stemming from two separate panel discussions held last Friday morning, March 23, during the Hunter Hotel Conference. The 30th annual event drew 1,700 attendees to the famed Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel downtown designed by the late John C. Portman. In February, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, a 17-year low. The Consumer Confidence Index is at its highest level since 2000. “Domestically, things are great,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). “This past holiday season was the most traveled holiday season on record.” Rogers said some credit goes to the low cost of gasoline. The price per gallon has been under $3 for four consecutive years, he pointed out. “You can see a direct relationship between how willing people are to travel and the …
