Jacob Ogles
Florida hotels already deliver a $121 billion impact to the state each year, something that could dramatically increase as more resorts break ground.
Does the state have the workforce to support that growth? How will foreign workers fit into the staffing of Florida’s hospitality businesses in the future?
Experts in South Florida’s hospitality sector discussed the economics of the industry at a Florida TaxWatch event in Palm Beach. Leaders discussed how policy could shape the future of one of the state’s biggest economic forces.
John Jarrad, a lobbying director for the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), said at the federal level, the industry continues to push for a streamlined process to allow foreign workers to work in the U.S. At the same time, industry leaders want to develop more talent domestically.
“Earlier this week, the AHLA Foundation awarded $944,000 in scholarship funding to 369 students. This is a continued effort to ensure AHLA supports educational opportunities for students who garner a passion for the hospitality industry,” Jarrad said.
But on the other side of the employment spectrum, Jarrad said his team is lobbying the federal government regarding the number of visa programs. “Our federal team is tirelessly advocating for a cap increase in seasonal visa programs, while we additionally look to find creative solutions from a workforce standpoint from within our own industry.”
Milton Segarra, President and CEO of Discover the Palm Beachesdiscussed the new “Love The Palm Beaches Tourism Master Plan,” which serves as a guidebook for the agency’s future plans for sustainability in the local tourism sector in The Palm Beaches.
Gopal Rajegowda, Executive Vice President at Related Ross, also discussed the impact of planning on tourism. He also discussed how the construction of hotels is creating other opportunities in commerce in the region.
“There’s an opportunity now for a tech hub to evolve in downtown, but again, all that infrastructure, that convention, is absolutely critical to continue to grow,” he said. “So we spent a lot of time outside of what out competency is in thinking about the important components that make cities thrive.”
