- AHLA concerned about franchising rules, staffing shortages and rising costs.
- The association urged Congress to pass the American Franchise Act.
- Several policymakers received AHLA’s Spirit of Hospitality Award.
THE AMERICAN HOTEL and Lodging Association raised concerns about challenges affecting U.S. hospitality, including franchising regulations, staffing shortages and rising operating costs. The association urged Congress to pass the American Franchise Act to codify the joint employer standard and preserve the franchise model.
More than 300 hotel owners, operators, general managers and suppliers traveled to Washington to urge congressional leaders to support the hotel industry, which generates billions in economic activity across the U.S., AHLA said in a statement. They also called for changes to the H-2B visa program to address seasonal staffing shortages.
“America’s hoteliers checked in to Washington this week with a clear message: our industry is vital to the U.S. economy, supporting more than nine million jobs, but we need partners in Congress who understand the challenges we face and are ready to work with us on policies that support travel,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO. “From franchising to workforce to global competitiveness, the policies we discussed with U.S. leaders support hotels, the communities they serve and the broader economy.”
Participants also discussed measures to increase travel demand, including restoring funding for Brand USA and reauthorizing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to support cross-border travel, the statement said.
Brett Horton, AHLA’s chief advocacy officer, said Hotels on the Hill shows what happens when hoteliers come to Washington and speak with one voice.
“Our members brought real stories from their properties directly to Members of Congress and their staffs, highlighting the challenges the industry faces and the opportunities to address them,” he said. “Passing the AFA, securing the Certified Seasonal Employer provision and restoring Brand USA funding are critical to a strong hotel industry in a challenging operating environment.”
In April, more than 1,000 hospitality professionals attended the AHLA Foundation’s FORWARD/26 leadership conference in Atlanta. The event focused on advancing women in hospitality and strengthening the industry’s leadership pipeline.
Statements from policymakers
Several policymakers received AHLA’s Spirit of Hospitality Award during the fly-in for their leadership on travel and tourism: Sen. Susan Collins, Republican from Maine; Sen. Angus King, Independent from Maine; Congressman Don Davis, Democrat from North Carolina; Rep. Kevin Hern, Republican from Oklahoma and Congressman Andy Harris, Republican from Maryland.
Sen. Collins and Rep. Harris have led workforce policy efforts, including addressing labor shortages and supporting additional H-2B visas.
“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that for every 100 open jobs in Maine, there are only 67 available workers and each year, ‘Vacationland’ welcomes approximately ten times its population as visitors,” said Sen. Collins. “That is why I strongly support the H-2B visa program to temporarily fill seasonal roles that inns, restaurants and hotels rely on. By helping ensure these businesses have the workers they need, the program also supports American jobs.”
He said he has urged the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to release the maximum H-2B visas so small businesses can meet workforce needs and serve travelers.
Rep. Harris said hotels are part of most communities nationwide, including his district.
“I’m proud to support the small business hoteliers and dedicated workers who make this industry thrive in my district,” he said. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from AHLA and remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen this sector.”
Sen. King has supported hoteliers in Maine and across the country and has backed policies on workforce, travel and tourism.
“Hospitality is fundamentally about people—welcoming others, building connections, and bringing visitors and local communities together,” said Sen. King. “Hotels play an important role in local economies—they’re literally the ‘home base’ for tourism businesses. I’m proud to support policies that help this industry thrive.”
Rep. Don Davis and Rep. Kevin Hern have been leaders on hospitality issues, including sponsoring the AFA.
“The hospitality industry is the backbone of communities across North Carolina and the country,” said Rep. Davis. “I’m proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support small business hoteliers, workers and travelers who depend on a strong, stable industry.”
Rep. Hern said hotels are small businesses and that small businesses power the U.S. economy.
“My experience as a franchisee showed me how franchising allows individuals to achieve the American Dream. I thank AHLA for this honor and for elevating the voices of hoteliers nationwide.”
In November, Maietta testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on hotels’ role in the U.S. economy and called for action on travel and tourism policy as the country prepares for the World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympic Games.
