Washington, D.C
DC has fewer big conventions on the books, but that’s not a concern – WTOP News
Business travel in the D.C. region and nationwide has made a comeback. It is still shy of pre-pandemic levels, but a recent survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association shows it is getting closer.
Business travel in the D.C. region and nationwide has made a comeback. It is still shy of pre-pandemic levels, but a recent survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association shows it is getting closer.
Of business travelers AHLA surveyed, 49% said the average length of business trips is now the same as before the pandemic, and 22% said it is more than before.
When asked about travel budgets, 47% said the amount of spending their employer will cover for trips is the same as before the pandemic, while another 25% say it is more than before.
AHLA’s online survey was open from April 28 to May 3 and it received responses from more than 4,100 participants.
Business travel can include anything from one employee, to a team, to large conventions and conferences that draw employees from many companies and from all across the country.
For the latter, this is shaping up to be a slower year for D.C.
While the District expects strong leisure travel, and stronger business travel in general, there are fewer citywide conferences and meetings on the books this year than last. Those larger conferences are defined as at least 2,500 hotel room nights.
AHLA said that is not cause for concern. Some of last year’s conventions were probably booked before there even was a pandemic, and there is a lag for such events.
“When a group brings in 5,000, 6,000, 10,000 people, those types of conferences usually take two to three years to plan,” said AHLA president and CEO Chip Rogers. “So within the next couple of years, those bookings will catch up.”
Memorial Day weekend was the first big measure of D.C.’s leisure travel tourism this year, and 2023 is expected to top last year’s 20.7 million domestic tourists, which was 91% of pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.
“The market has returned for D.C.,” Rogers said. “D.C. was one of the trailing major markets, but if you look at (hotel) occupancy last week, it was almost identical to the same occupancy back in 2019.”
Guests are back, but hotels are still missing employees. Nationwide, the U.S. hotel industry has more than 100,000 unfilled jobs. In D.C., there are more than 3,200 hospitality-related job openings posted on Indeed.com alone.
“Opportunity exists, both in downtown D.C. in the traditional large convention center-style hotels, but also in the suburbs,” Rogers said. “If there is a hotel around you, I can almost guarantee that they are hiring.”
AHLA has been on a mission the past year to get the word out about hospitality career opportunities.
The AHLA Foundation’s “A Place to Stay” marketing campaign is now advertising in 20 cities, emphasizing the hotel industry’s 200-plus career pathways, and openings that range from housekeeping and maintenance, all the way up through management ranks.
Washington, D.C
Washington, D.C. Teen Reunites With Stolen Therapy Dog
On May 30, a therapy dog was stolen after she escaped her backyard by digging a hole under the fence. The Bichon Frise mix belonged to a Washington, D.C. teen with autism. The teenage girl was devastated upon losing her beloved pup, but fortunately, the duo has reunited. The canine was safely returned to the girl by the police.
Therapy dog stolen in Washington, D.C., reunites with owner a few days later
On Thursday, 19-year-old Maddie’s therapy dog went missing from the family’s backyard. Bichon Frise mix Bella dug a hole under the fence to crawl out and ran onto the street, per Fox News. Following this, a car drove up, and a young woman picked up the pup and drove away. Moreover, the entire incident was captured by the surveillance camera.
Maddie was heartbroken after losing her beloved pet. Bella is a small and friendly therapy dog, who is only two years old. She lives with her family in the Asheford Court neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The stolen therapy dog provided the teenage girl comfort and had a loving personality. She is kind and made for a great companion for the teen. Furthermore, Maddie kept Bella’s food and water ready, so everything was prepared when her furry friend returned.
According to an update by Fox 5, the canine was returned to her rightful owner after they saw the media outlet’s report. They first contacted the police, who then returned Bella to Maddie on Sunday, June 2. The teen was overjoyed to have her beloved therapy dog back and noted that she was surprised the individual took the time to visit her and explain the entire situation. Maddie stated, “I was so surprised that she came to my house and she told me everything…”
One of the best ways to prevent your beloved dog from escaping is to not leave them unattended for extended periods. Finding a trusted dog sitter would also work if you have things to take care of and can’t take your pup along.
Washington, D.C
DC Primary Election Guide: Here's everything you need to know
WASHINGTON (7News) — The D.C. primary is on June 4 and 7News is following all the key races this election year. As the city battles with big issues such as fighting crime and school truancy, seats are up in the D.C. Council and the race to lead and represent the city’s wards is up to residents.
One of the top races 7News is closely watching is the seat for Ward 7 councilmember. Since councilmember and former mayor Vince Gray announced he would not seek re-election, ten Democratic candidates have stepped up to the plate for a chance to replace Gray. No one is running in the Republican primary.
On the other end, four men are vying to represent D.C.’s Ward 8 in the council chamber, including the incumbent and a Republican.
Here’s everything you need to know about D.C. Primary Elections:
WHEN TO VOTE
The primary election is Tuesday, June 4– Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE TO VOTE
Find your polling place online at the D.C. Board of Elections website.
HOW TO VOTE
- Mail-in ballots are available to all registered voters — Every registered voter should have already received a mail-in ballot for the primary and general elections
- Early in-person voting: You can cast your ballot early and in person at least one week before Election Day at vote centers throughout the city
WHAT RACES ARE ON THE BALLOT 2024:
Delegate to the House of Representatives
- Kelly “Mikel” Williams, Democrat
- Eleanor Holmes Norton, Democrat
- Myrtle Patricia Alexander, Republican
- Kymone Freeman, Green
At-large Member of the Council
- Robert White, Democrat
- Rodney Red Grant, Democrat
- Darryl Moch, Green
Ward 4 Member of the Council
- Janeese Lewis George, Democrat
- Lisa Gore, Democrat
- Paul Johnson, Democrat
Ward 7 Member of the Council
- Wendell Felder, Democrat
- Denise Reed, Democrat
- Ebony Payne, Democrat
- Villareal VJ Johnson II, Democrat
- Nate Fleming, Democrat
- Kelvin Brown, Democrat
- Roscoe Grant Jr, Democrat
- Ebbon A. Allen, Democrat
- Veda Rasheed, Democrat
- Eboni-Rose Thompson, Democrat
Ward 8 Member of the Council
- Trayon White Sr., Democrat
- Rahman Branch, Democrat
- Salim Adofo, Democrat
- Nate Derenge, Republican
To learn more about other candidates, go to the D.C. Board of Elections website.
Washington, D.C
Teen killed in Northeast D.C. shooting, police say
D.C. police are investigating a Saturday night shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead.
Police responded about 10:30 p.m. to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of 18th Street in Northeast Washington, officials said. They found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound, who was later taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, according to authorities.
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