This last year was arguably the most difficult in the history of Alberta hotels. Together, the AHLA and its 700+ member hotels have worked earnestly to overcome 2020’s many challenges. Improving Access to Health & Safety Information and Training We began the year on a positive note, welcoming all Alberta hotels as safety subscribers as [...]
The AHLA asked the Minister of Labour for a variance extending temporary layoffs for members who told us they have not yet been able to recall employees laid off earlier this year as a result of COVID-19. The Minister has extended the deadline for temporary layoffs to March 31, 2021. This will allow you to maintain employment [...]
In light of new restrictions for businesses, the government has expanded the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant. Businesses that have experienced a 30% revenue loss because of COVID-19 qualify for the program, lowering the threshold from the existing 40% revenue loss requirement. This 30% threshold is available to impacted businesses retroactive to March. [...]
By Chris Barr, AHLA Board Chair As we approach the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus, it is difficult to witness the devastating impact this pandemic has had on our lives. I, like so many others, never truly realized quite how much our lives would change. Hotels have suffered reduced cash flows and significantly lower staffing [...]
The efforts of the AHLA and its members to have the Tourism Levy abatement extended have paid off! The Honourable Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation, has announced that hotels will be allowed to keep Tourism Levy amounts collected to March 31, 2021. "The government’s announcement is welcome news for our industry," said AHLA Board Chair Chris Barr. "As [...]
The AHLA has requested a Ministerial Order to extend temporary layoffs once again for members in good standing who wish to maintain employment relationships with laid off staff members beyond December 31, 2020. We will inform all members who asked to be included under the variance as soon as we receive a decision. See the AHLA's Request [...]
Thanks to the advocacy efforts of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), the federal government has announced a number of new and increased support measures for hotels. NEW Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), which includes: 100% government guaranteed loans Up to $1 million over extended terms, for up to 10 years Low interest loans with rates lower than [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced hotels to adapt operations to ensure they are continuing to provide a safe environment for guests and staff. But how can they demonstrate that commitment to health & safety? Make the AHLA Safe Accommodation Promise (ASAP)! The AHLA, as the official safety association for Alberta hotels, has developed the [...]
By Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions Recently, some hotels have been having difficulty securing insurance coverage. This is because we have seen drastic changes within the commercial insurance market over the last year. Prior to 2020, we had a long period of "soft market" conditions, which meant there was high capacity and relatively flexible underwriting [...]
Property insurance for hotels is in a crisis state, as many are unable to secure insurance at this time. The AHLA is working closely with Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions to sustain our program for members, and to find alternatives for those hotels that have been turned down. Dave Kaiser, President & CEO, shares [...]
