(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois hospitality and business communities are among those considering the impact of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, was at a recent event at the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel at 171 W. Randolph St. to discuss reigniting travel to the Chicago area, as well as the state of hospitality and tourism in the city.
"I think on Roe v. Wade, specifically, we are hearing that thousands of women are likely to come into Chicago and the state to get their procedures,” Jacobson said. “I think Illinois will capitalize on more travel to our state because of that decision, because we are on an island in the Midwest … so it will be a new demand generator for hotels."
When asked about Roe V. Wade, Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, said, "I think what businesses look for is a welcoming environment, where there's a great quality of life."
In terms of the abortion ruling impacting hotel and travel, Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the Washington-based American Hotel and Lodging Association, said "We don't see that at all.”
Rogers said the hospitality industry isn’t in the business of sending people away due to their reasons for traveling or personal beliefs.
“The hotel industry — whether it's here in Illinois or any state — is all about serving whoever comes to our doors,” Rogers said. “The industry doesn't get into issues that would send people away. No matter what said of any issue you're on, we're welcoming."
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