Regulatory and Legal Affairs

💰 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) advocated for an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, forecasting steep tax hikes in 2026 without them. Key measures include making the Small Business Deduction permanent, extending Bonus Depreciation for five years, preserving the Like-Kind Exchange, reinstating expanded Business Interest Deductibility for five years, launching a second round of Opportunity Zones, and raising the Estate Tax Exclusionary Amount. Additionally, AHLA supports Trump's "No Tax on Tips" initiative to benefit hotel employees.

🛬 Business travellers exhibit risky behaviour on work trips, with 79% engaging in activities like gambling and ignoring safety advice. World Travel Protection's survey reveals younger travellers (under 34) are almost four times likelier to ignore health and safety advice compared to those over 55. Only 20% maintain their usual behaviour while travelling. The data highlights the need for companies to uphold duty of care obligations, emphasizing pre-trip education on local risks.

🏖️ U.S. travel and tourism industry may lose $12.5 billion in 2025, a 22.5% drop from its 2019 peak, due to Trump administration immigration policies. Projected international spending to decrease to $169 billion from $181 billion in 2024. Border cities and tourist hubs are most affected, with the U.S. Travel Association calling for actions to reassure international visitors of a welcoming U.S. Some domestic destinations might gain from increased local travel.

🛡 U.S. restaurant operators report increased immigration enforcement, especially in Washington, D.C., and Nashville. DHS conducted "worksite enforcement operations" on over 100 D.C. businesses, inspecting I-9 documentation. At least nine restaurants were visited last week, with some operators not cooperating without a warrant. Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) confirmed no arrests from these visits and reached out to Homeland Security for guidance. In Nashville, ICE activity resulted in at least 96 detainments, leading to decreased restaurant business and closures. Nashville's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is offering I-9 compliance training. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell mandated reporting interactions with federal immigration to his office within one day. The Trump administration aims to deport one million immigrants annually.

📈 SAN FRANCISCO, 12 MAY – A new Hospitable report reveals 47.7% of independent short-term rental hosts feel unaffected by large property management companies (PMCs), while 74.8% highlight personalized guest experience as their edge. Despite increased competition noted by 65.4%, hosts remain optimistic, with 56.7% planning to expand portfolios in 2025. Only 10.4% feel PMCs dominate their market, and 38.3% would consider PMC collaboration for marketing and visibility improvements.

📑 UK, 12 May 2025: The Labour government unveiled immigration reforms, including raising the skilled worker threshold to RQF 6 (graduate level) and increasing salaries. The Immigration Skills Charge will rise by 32%, and the settlement period extends to 10 years. New English language requirements will apply broadly. Less than 10% of hospitality roles qualify for skilled visas, impacting sectors like care and hospitality. Temporary Shortage List roles must meet specific criteria for visa access.

🍔 Beef & Bass to open first site at 356-360 King’s Road, Chelsea. The 4,512 sq ft restaurant features a 14-cover speakeasy bar, an open kitchen, charcoal grill, and a private dining room. Founders Alessandro Verdenelli and Daniele Pampagnin join other debuts on Sloane Stanley’s Estate. Hannah Grievson from Sloane Stanley highlighted the area’s F&B hub. Mister Lasagne also opens at 273 Fulham Road. Miles Commercial and Levy Real Estate represent Sloane Stanley Estate.