STR: U.S. hotel occupancy improves in fifth week of April

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.