Which of the following losses cannot be covered by insurance for a hotel proprietor?

In the context of insurance for a hotel proprietor, losses that cannot be covered typically relate to events that are considered outside the realm of insurable risks. A recession represents a broad economic downturn that can lead to decreased revenue for a hotel; however, it is not a specific, insurable event. Insurance is designed to cover specific risks that are quantifiable and tied to particular incidents or occurrences, such as property damage or theft.

In contrast, incidents like storm damage, break-ins, and liability claims from guests are specific events that insurers can assess and offer coverage for. A loss of profit due to storm damage results from a tangible event affecting the hotel, while loss from a break-in involves measurable theft or damage. Similarly, liability due to a guest suffering food poisoning presents a clear risk associated with business operations, which insurers can evaluate and cover. Therefore, the recession is considered a general business risk that is not insurable because it does not pertain to a specific event that can be measured or predicted effectively.