IDFA continues to demonstrate that the dairy industry has a powerful economic impact – $620 billion in total – on the American economy. Did you know that dairy also indirectly supports unique industries across the nation, like hotels and motels?

Dairy companies, distributors and retailers support U.S. hotels and motels in a number of ways. Over 14,190 jobs in the lodging industry depend on spending by the dairy industry or dairy industry employees. This includes 3,264 hospitality jobs that are held by people performing services directly for dairy manufacturers, including people working at the front desk, in housekeeping and in back office administration. These jobs are the result of purchases directly paid for by dairy companies for staff who are traveling on business, hosting a sales meeting or attending a conference.

About 10,926 additional jobs in the hotel and motel industry result from dairy and supplier employees staying at hotels or motels while on vacation or visiting a hotel restaurant.

All told, the dairy industry creates $538 million in wages and over $1.64 billion in economic impact for the American lodging industry. So, think of the American dairy industry while checking into your hotel this upcoming July 4^th holiday.

Dairy Delivers®

IDFA is sharing these deep dives into the data of Dairy Delivers®, its economic impact tool, to demonstrate dairy’s economic power and its ripple effect on other American industries.

Members with questions may contact Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy, at dcarlin@idfa.org.