Hospitality experts discuss the impact of federal policy on the Florida workforce

Hotels in Florida already generate a $121 billion impact for the state each year, something that could increase dramatically as more resorts gain traction.

Does the state have the workforce to support that growth? How will foreign workers fit into the workforce of Florida’s hospitality businesses in the future?

Experts in South Florida’s hospitality industry discussed the economics of the industry at a Florida Tax Watch event in Palm Beach. The leaders discussed how policies could shape the future of one of the state’s biggest economic forces.

John Jarrada lobby director for the American Hotel and Lodging AssociationAt the federal level, the industry continues to push for a streamlined process for allowing foreign workers to work in the US. At the same time, industry leaders want to develop more talent domestically.

“Our association distributed approximately $1 million a few days ago to more than 360 students from across the country who are interested in advancing their careers and obtaining a degree, hopefully in the hospitality program,” he said.

But at the other end of the employment spectrum, Jarrad said his team is lobbying the federal government to streamline some visa programs “so that we can continue to try to attract additional people who want to work in this country long-term.” while from a workforce perspective we continue to try to find creative solutions in our own sector.”

Milton SegarraChairman and CEO of Discover the Palm Beachessaid the local program seeks to ensure that partner resorts and hotels are not dependent on individuals being illegally smuggled into the country.

“Florida has mandatory human trafficking training when it comes to hotel workers,” he said. “So that’s something that we’ve taken very seriously. It is something that we continue to take very seriously.”

Gopal RajegowdaExecutive Vice President at Related Rossalso discussed the impact of planning on tourism. He also discussed how the construction of hotels creates other opportunities for trade in the region.

“There’s an opportunity now for a technology hub to develop downtown, but again, all that infrastructure, that convention, is absolutely critical to continuing to grow,” he said. “So we spent a lot of time outside of our competency thinking about the important components that make cities thrive.”

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