American Hotel & Lodging Association

The hotel industry joined members of Congress and survivor groups last night to celebrate the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We are so grateful that our leaders in Washington share our commitment to ending this heinous crime. It was a pleasure to gather alongside our partners @WeAre_PACT, KIND, @3Strands_Global, @USChamber, and more to recognize this collaborative spirit in action. Seven years ago, the @AHLAFoundation launched its #NoRoomForTrafficking initiative. Eradicating human trafficking requires all of us working together to raise awareness of the problem, educate those who may encounter it, and support survivors. Our partnership with government officials at every level is making a difference around the country. Many thanks to the caucus co-chairs for their leadership: @RepDavidValadao, @RepLaurelLee, @RepTroyCarter, and @RepLucyMcBath.

Yesterday, AHLA met with @SteveScaliseGOP, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, to discuss the need for a strong, stable operating environment for hotels. We touched on several key policy issues, including tariffs, workforce and H-2B visas, and the partial government shutdown. Thank you to our Executive Committee members and Majority Leader Steve Scalise for your continued support in advancing practical solutions that strengthen hotels and the communities they serve.

At a New York City Council hearing today on the FY27 budget proposal, AHLA's Sarah Bratko shared concerns over the proposal's long-term impacts on the hotel industry and thousands of New Yorkers who work in hotels. As hotels continue to balance upcoming opportunities with continued cost pressure challenges, state and local local tax increases are another blow NYC hotels can't afford, especially when they already face some of the highest operating costs in the country. Hotel guests spend $38.4 billion annually across the city, supporting restaurants, retailers, cultural institutions, and small businesses across all five boroughs. Each hotel room night drives roughly $1,168 in total visitor spending citywide. This directly translates into significant revenue for New York City, generating a projected $4.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue in 2026.2 Simply put, New York City’s economic strength is inseparable from the vitality of its hotels. AHLA looks forward to working with the Council to advance policies that promote job creation and sustained economic growth for New York City.

You have the ability to influence decisions in Washington with your lived experience as hoteliers. It's time to join us at #HotelsOnTheHill to get in front of members of Congress, and tell them what’s going on in your hotel! When business leaders take the time to meet face-to-face with their elected officials, it makes an impact that emails and policy briefs simply cannot. If they’re not hearing directly from you about what’s happening back home, they can’t fully understand what their constituents are facing. Direct advocacy drives change. Join us and make a difference. 📅 May 12-13 📌 Washington, D.C. 🔗 Register and learn more: lnkd.in/eHK9gbmd

Are you worried about the rising costs of doing business? Are you having trouble staffing your hotel? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, then we need you to come to #HotelsOnTheHill, May 12-13 in Washington, D.C. When business leaders take the time to meet face-to-face with their elected officials, it makes an impact that emails and policy briefs simply cannot. If they’re not hearing directly from you about what’s happening back home, they can’t fully understand what their constituents are facing. 🔗🏛️ Join us at Hotels on the Hill: events.ahla.com/event/HOTH2026…

The New York City hotel industry is not simply a segment of the tourism economy – it is vital to New York City's vitality.🗽 62,000 jobs are directly tied to NYC hotels. Guest spending fuels tens of thousands of additional jobs. And these hotels generate approximately $5 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue. AHLA's Sarah Bratko testified today in front of the New York City Council's Committee on Economic Development to share these points and more, and to highlight the opportunities associated with the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. As U.S. hotels prepare to welcome travelers in 2026 for major events including the World Cup and America250 celebrations, hoteliers are focused on differentiating their properties, exceeding guest expectations, and doing so while ensuring profitability despite increasing operating costs.

A Day in the Lobby Life: When our members come to Washington, change happens. Thank you to AHLA's Resort Committee members who traveled coast to coast to shake their lawmaker's hand, and bring them critical on-the-ground perspectives. Policy is often tied to people's stories. Have a story of your own to share? Show up at #HotelsOnTheHill and tell your Congresspeople how policy decisions out of Washington directly affect your day-to-day life. 🔗 Register and learn more: events.ahla.com/event/HOTH2026… 📌 Washington, D.C. 📅 May 12-13

When our members come to Washington, change happens. Thank you to our incredible committee members for making the trip to Washington and bringing the critical on-the-ground perspective to members of Congress!

Show up, share your story, and make a difference at #HotelsOnTheHill 🏛️ Join hoteliers from across the country like Pete Patel of Promise Hotels to meet with members of Congress and share the issues impacting your business, guests, and team members. Remember, direct advocacy drives change. Don't miss this unique opportunity to advocate on behalf of your industry! 📅 May 12-13 📌 Washington, D.C. 🔗 Register and learn more: events.ahla.com/event/HOTH2026…

U.S. travel leaders stand united with one message: fund TSA, protect travelers, keep America moving. ✈️🧳 @USTravel and @AirlinesDotOrg joined AHLA today in urging Congress to avoid a potential lapse of appropriations for the @DHSgov. As yet another government shutdown looms, so does one of the busiest travel times of the year—spring break. Travelers and the U.S. economy cannot afford to have essential @TSA personnel working without pay, which increases the risk of unscheduled absences and call outs, and ultimately can lead to higher wait times and missed or delayed flights. Funding uncertainties create lasting damage to the entire travel ecosystem, especially the airlines, hotels and thousands of small businesses the travel industry supports. Last year’s shutdown alone resulted in an economic impact of $6 billion—nearly $140 million per day—and disrupted travel for more than 6 million travelers. Congress must act with urgency to ensure TSA is fully funded to carry out its critical aviation security mission and pursue permanent solutions to guarantee pay for essential federal workers. 🔗➡️ Read more: ahla.com/news/travel-le…

Honolulu’s hotels are more than places to stay, they are centers of opportunity. 🛎️🌺 New economic data released today by AHLA and the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance underscores how deeply our industry is woven into the city’s economic and social fabric. When hotels thrive, they create good-paying jobs, support small businesses, and deliver essential tax revenue that benefits every Hawai’i resident. Continued investment and smart policy will continue to fuel that momentum 🔗➡️ Read more about the Honolulu hotel industry’s far-reaching economic impact and its role as a powerful engine for growth and opportunity: ahla.com/news/new-repor…

You have the ability to influence decisions in Washington with your lived experience as hoteliers. It's time to get in front of members of Congress and tell them what’s going on in your hotel. Hoteliers are showing up strong, united and en masse at #HotelsOnTheHill to advocate for: - Trade policy impact - Visa reform - Protecting the hotel franchise model Direct advocacy drives change. Join us and make a difference. 📅 May 12-13 📌 Washington, D.C. 🔗 Register and learn more: events.ahla.com/event/HOTH2026…

Franchising is the pathway to the American Dream 📢 The bipartisan American Franchise Act is essential to protecting a proven business model that fosters successful partnerships and empowers small business hoteliers through clear, consistent standards for franchisors under federal labor law. 🔗 Learn more: ahla.com/issue/franchis…

The hotel industry remains committed to helping prevent human trafficking nationwide. We thank the Arizona House of Representatives for recognizing AHLA and @_AZLTA_'s leadership on this issue through the @AHLAFoundation's #NoRoomForTrafficking initiative. Thank you, @JustinWilmethAZ, for the powerful bipartisan affirmation of hotels’ frontline role in helping protect our communities. 🔗Read more about Arizona's proclamation to recognize the hotel industry’s leadership and commitment to preventing human trafficking: ahla.com/news/arizona-h… 🔗Learn more about the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking initiative:ahlafoundation.org/nrft/

Thank you to the House @ProbSolveCaucus for endorsing the American Franchise Act. In the lodging sector alone, franchised hotels support more than 2.8 million jobs, account for nearly 60% of all U.S. hotels, and generate nearly $100 billion in annual economic impact. The American Franchise Act would strengthen the franchise model by providing clear, consistent standards for franchisors under federal labor law.

The American travel community saw firsthand how government shutdowns significantly disrupt travel and hurt our economy last year. The 2025 shutdown had an economic impact of $6 billion—more than $150 million per day. ​Disrupted travel impacts everyone. Flight cancellations and delays from a strained TSA and air traffic controllers workforce will result in cancelled hotel stays and impact the entire travel ecosystem. Continued uncertainty will result in lost revenue for hotels and the communities they support. The Senate has acted to keep the government open, and now it’s up to the House to pass these measures to prevent immediate disruptions, protect travelers, and maintain confidence in U.S. tourism. 🔗 Read more: ahla.com/news/travel-in…

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: After a year of tireless advocacy from AHLA and our members, Congress has authorized the release of approximately 64,000 supplemental H-2B visas. For the hotels and resorts that rely on H-2B visas, they are critically important tools to ensure that their workforce is prepared to meet seasonal demand. These supplemental visas will help our members maintain the level of service guests expect. 🔗 Read more: ahla.com/news/ahla-issu…

New report just dropped🚨 The 2026 State of the Industry report’s message is clear: hotels are essential to a thriving economy, delivering meaningful value in every community, with continued improvement expected after a challenging year. Major findings: 🛎️ Hotels generated $85 billion in local, state, and federal taxes in 2025 🛎️ Hotel guest spending in 2026 is expected to reach nearly $805 billion 🛎️ Hotels paid nearly $128 billion in wages and benefits in 2025 🛎️ The hotel workforce is projected to grow by more than 30,000 jobs in 2026 🔗➡️ Read the report: ahla.com/soti

Winter Storm Fern will disrupt travel plans for many, and the hotel industry is responding in real time to support stranded passengers, emergency workers, and local residents experiencing power outages. During these challenging travel periods, hotels are working with guests to navigate rapidly changing plans. Our members remain focused on keeping guests safe, informed, and cared for throughout this weather event. For our members, here’s some helpful guidance from AHLA Platinum Partner @Ecolab . We hope everyone stays safe. ecolab.com/articles/2025/…