The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is hosting its annual Hotels on the Hill event this week, bringing together over 200 hoteliers and industry leaders from 36 states to Capitol Hill to advocate for key policy reforms.

Taking place on September 24-25, the event will feature meetings with representatives and staff from more than 150 congressional offices, both in the House and Senate.

With nearly 64,000 hotels across the country, including over 33,000 small businesses, the U.S. hotel industry plays a crucial role in the economy. In 2024, hotels are projected to employ a record number of workers, paying out $123 billion in wages, salaries, and compensation while contributing approximately $83.4 billion in tax revenue.

To continue these economic benefits nationwide, hoteliers are urging lawmakers to:

Address workforce shortages by passing the Closing the Workforce Gap Act (H.R. 7262), introduced by Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), which would replace the annual cap of 66,000 H-2B temporary visas with a flexible, needs-based system.

Support small businesses by extending the pass-through tax deduction (199A) beyond its 2025 expiration, ensuring continued tax relief for franchisees and other small hotel businesses.

Promote job creation and economic growth by preserving the like-kind exchange (section 1031), allowing hoteliers to defer capital gains taxes when selling a property, provided the proceeds are reinvested in a larger property.

Protect the franchise model by opposing federal actions that could weaken the relationship between franchisees and franchisors, a key element of the hotel industry’s structure.

Ensure transparency and fairness for consumers by supporting the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (S. 2498) and the No Hidden FEES Act (H.R. 6543), which would establish a consistent standard for displaying mandatory lodging fees, creating a level playing field for hotels, short-term rentals, online travel agencies, and metasearch platforms.

“Nothing is more effective at shaping public policy for our industry than when hoteliers and their employees tell their stories directly to legislators,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “From tax policies that promote small business growth, to expanding the hotel workforce, to challenging burdensome regulations, there’s no limit to what hoteliers can achieve when we’re united and speak with one voice. Hotels on the Hill gives us a unique opportunity to do just that.”

The post American Hotel and Lodging Association Unites 200 Hoteliers for Hotels on the Hill to Advocate Powerful Policy Reforms on Capitol Hill appeared first on Travel And Tour World.