After a period of disruption during the pandemic, the hotel and lodging industry is experiencing a renewed increase in demand. Keeping pace with that demand, however, remains a challenge due to ongoing labor shortages.

Nationwide, consumer spending on accommodations has not only recovered but now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Hotel construction continues, supported by long-term growth in the industry. The United States is home to more than 68,000 hotels and lodging establishments — a 33% increase over the past 25 years, according to a report from Luxury Link, a luxury hotel booking platform.

Employment has not kept up. Roughly 1.87 million people are currently employed in the hotel sector, down about 8% from 2019 levels, as many workers shifted to other industries during the pandemic.

In Southwest Florida, the number of hotels has declined slightly, accompanied by a more noticeable drop in employment, reflecting similar national trends.

Despite rising demand, hotel employment in Southwest Florida lags behind pre-pandemic levels:

• Naples-Marco Island: Down 683 jobs (–15.1%) | Now at 3,855 employees | 15 more hotels (+21.1%)

• Cape Coral–Fort Myers: Down 2,032 jobs (–38.2%) | Now at 3,293 employees | 16 fewer hotels (–9.6%)

• Punta Gorda: Up 124 jobs (+27.6%) | Now at 574 employees | 3 fewer hotels (–9.7%)

• Florida (statewide): Down 12,188 jobs (–6.4%) | Now at 178,406 employees | 512 more hotels (+12%)