Airbnb and US hotel companies are requesting federal assistance to deal with what they call an unprecedented fall-off in demand due to the new coronavirus. In a letter to congressional leaders Airbnb has asked for multiple tax breaks for its US hosts, who are experiencing a significant loss of business. Last week, San Francisco-based Airbnb began allowing all guests worldwide to cancel reservations without a penalty.

AIRBNB

Airbnb says seniors are among its largest cohort of hosts, while 14 percent are teachers or live with teachers. In its letter to congressional leaders, the company said it has 1.1 million active listings in the US, and a majority of its hosts depend on Airbnb for their monthly income.

It is asking Congress to expand the minimal rental use tax exemption to 60 days. Right now, hosts don’t pay income tax for income from a residence they rent for less than 14 days.

Airbnb is also asking for a tax credit or deduction for income earned by hosts and access to small business disaster loans for hosts. Congress should also give lenders tax incentives for providing low-interest loans to hosts, the company said.

Airbnb didn’t provide an estimate of how much those measures would cost.

HOTELS

Since mid-February, US hotels have lost an estimated $1.5 billion in room revenue, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, a lobbying group. Those losses are rapidly accelerating, with the industry on pace to lose $1.4 billion per week and anticipating that 1 million US jobs have already been eliminated or will be in the next few weeks.

CAESAR’S

Caesar’s Entertainment reports that it is shutting down its owned properties in North America. The hospitality giant operates close to 40 hotel/casinos in North America operating primarily under the Caesar’s, Bally’s, Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands, of which more than a dozen are located in Nevada and one in Canada: Caesar’s Windsor.

The company says it is working to ensure a smooth closing process throughout its network and “looks forward to welcoming back team members and guests as soon as appropriate.” It also says it will help displaced employees manage the impact.

MARRIOT

Marriott said it is reducing workers’ hours and starting to furlough what could eventually become thousands of workers. Workers will retain their health benefits, the company said.

HILTON

Hilton said it has closed two company-managed hotels in Washington and New York and temporarily suspended workers.