Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AAHOA highlights hotel industry's role in comments for NTTISP

The association says eliminating ‘hassle factor’ would improve national transportation network

AAHOA highlights hotel industry's role in comments for NTTISP

AAHOA HIGHLIGHTED USING transportation infrastructure to support long-distance travel and tourism in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation's request for comment on the National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan. The association urged USDOT to prioritize policies that invest in infrastructure investments including road networks, airports and hotels, AAHOA said in a statement.

USDOT sought comments to update its Strategic Plan, a response to the 2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act mandate. The NTTISP assesses the national transportation network's condition and performance, identifies congestion and travel barriers, and devises strategies to enhance crucial travel infrastructure. AAHOA also emphasized in its comment stimulating demand, improving digital connectivity, supporting sustainable transportation options, facilitating financing for industry stakeholders, and promoting better coordination.


“Implementing these policy recommendations can bolster the travel and tourism industry's recovery by leveraging infrastructure investments in and through hotels," AAHOA commented. "These measures will enhance traveler confidence, improve connectivity, promote sustainability, provide financial support, and foster collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately driving the industry's resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic."

Going hassle-free is key

In its comment, AAHOA said one key component of improving the performance of the national transportation network is eliminating the “hassle factor” for travelers. This means addressing difficulties, inconveniences, or frustrations that travelers may encounter during long-distance travel and tourism.

“To minimize the hassle factor during hotel stays, hotels are adopting measures to enhance the guest experience and streamline processes,” AAHOA said. “These include seamless check-in and check-out, improved communications and services, and enhanced information and accessibility.”

"We urge the Department of Transportation to recognize the value of partnerships with the hotel industry in updating the National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "We appreciate the opportunity to ensure all stakeholders in our national transportation network have a voice in this essential conversation, encouraging greater travel and tourism."

"Hotels and transportation infrastructure are vital in supporting long-distance travel and tourism, which should be defined as 50 miles or more from home to the destination," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. "By leveraging partnership opportunities, hotels and transportation can effectively support travel and tourism. AAHOA members are prepared to assist the Department of Transportation in its crucial efforts to enhance vital travel infrastructure."

AAHOA members, who own 60 percent of U.S. hotels, contribute $368.4 billion yearly to the economy, as per Oxford Economics. This emphasizes the significance of America's travel infrastructure for the economy.

Last week, AAHOA announced its support for the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act amid hotel workforce shortages. AAHOA leaders recently met with members of the Critical Labor Coalition and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, the lead sponsor from Pennsylvania. The act proposes a market-driven visa system to help employers hire workers for hard-to-fill positions while prioritizing U.S. workers.

More for you

AHLA members meet with U.S. lawmakers to discuss key hospitality legislation impacting hotel owners and workers

AHLA shares priorities with lawmakers

AHLA Members Unite on Capitol Hill to Advance Hospitality Legislation

MORE THAN 250 American Hotel & Lodging Association members met with lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House to discuss legislative priorities critical to the hospitality industry. They raised concerns about tax and trade policies impacting hotel operating costs and travel demand amid ongoing budget reconciliation and tax negotiations.

Members also discussed expanding and upskilling the hospitality workforce through measures such as adjusting the H-2B visa cap and protecting the franchise model, which supports more than half of all U.S. hotels and 2.8 million jobs, the association said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
CBRE: US Hotel RevPAR to Grow 1.3 Percent in 2025

CBRE: RevPAR to grow 1.3 percent in 2025

U.S. HOTEL REVPAR is expected to grow 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by urban markets from group and business travel and increased demand for drive-to and regional leisure destinations, according to CBRE. Occupancy is forecast to rise 14 basis points and ADR 1.2 percent year-over-year.

This represents slower growth than CBRE’s February forecast, which projected 2 percent RevPAR growth based on a 21-basis-point increase in occupancy and a 1.6 percent rise in ADR, the commercial real estate and investment firm said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Palette Hotels to Transform DoubleTree by Hilton in Washington, PA

Palette to manage Washington, PA, DoubleTree

Palette’s Expertise in Hospitality Management

SUNRISE GOLD HOSPITALITY recently selected Palette Hotels to manage its 140-room DoubleTree by Hilton Washington Meadow Lands Casino Area in Washington, Pennsylvania. Palette will oversee renovations, including Hilton Connected Rooms technology upgrades, new signage, landscaping, building systems and updates to the lobby, guestrooms, bathrooms, meeting spaces, restaurant, bar and lounge.

Sunrise Gold Hospitality is led by owner Ramesh Pandya, and Palette Hotels by Founder and CEO Richard Lou.

Keep ReadingShow less