Summary:
- AHLA’s Rosanna Maietta told lawmakers hotels are central to the U.S. economy.
- Most U.S. hotels are small businesses supporting local economies.
- She urged Congress to release the full number of supplemental H-2B visas.
ROSANNA MAIETTA, PRESIDENT and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, recently testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on the role of hotels in the U.S. economy. She called for action on policy issues affecting travel and tourism as the country prepares to host the World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Maietta said travel and tourism generate nearly $900 billion in annual GDP, $83 billion in tax revenue and support one in 25 U.S. jobs. With major events approaching, she urged Congress to ensure hotels are prepared for increased visitor demand and able to sustain economic output in communities nationwide.
“The majority of U.S. hotels are small businesses and vital economic engines in their communities,” said Maietta. “Yet five years after the onset of the pandemic, our industry is still on the path to recovery. Rising operating expenses – from insurance premiums and interest rates to labor and healthcare costs – have increased four times faster than revenues. Despite these hurdles, hotels remain open, resilient and committed to serving their communities.”
Maietta said the tax reform law enacted this summer clarified rules for hotel owners and allowed more than 800,000 hotel employees to keep more of their earnings under the “No Tax on Tips” provision. She then outlined four policy recommendations for Congress to support the hotel sector and the broader travel economy.
She called on Congress to press the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to release the maximum number of supplemental H-2B visas, restore full funding for Brand USA through the VISIT USA Act, reach a long-term funding agreement to avoid a government shutdown at the end of January, and support the American Franchise Act to maintain clarity in franchise relationships and protect brand standards.
AHLA recently named Brett Horton chief advocacy officer for federal, state and local levels.
