Eight highlights from a year packed with activity
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1. AAHOA’s Fall National Advocacy Conference addresses legislation impacting the industry
AAHOA Members and leaders from all over the country flew into Washington D.C. last fall to shed light on the issues that matter most to America’s hotel owners. Hoteliers met and built relationships with more than 100 offices and in-person meetings with more than 70 Members of Congress, including 8 U.S. Senators, to push industry-friendly policies forward.
2. AAHOA leadership advances fairness in franchise with Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya
AAHOA leadership met with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya in D.C. and discussed several key issues affecting the hospitality industry, including the unfair practices in franchising and the FTC’s Franchise Rule. AAHOA thanks Commissioner Bedoya for taking a great interest in franchising and being a strong advocate for AAHOA Members and American consumers.
3. AAHOA applauds the increased funding for the SBA’s 504 loan program
In a major win for America’s hoteliers, Congress boosted funding for a number of SBA loan programs, including the 504 loan program.
Read more here
4. Take a deeper dive into AAHOA’s 12 Points
The 12 Points Webinar Series continues AAHOA’s mission and commitment to educating members and franchisees on best-in-class, mutually beneficial franchise systems.
Watch the 12 Points Webinar Series today
5. AAHOA puts people first
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on last September, as a Category 4 storm. For AAHOA Members with properties in the path of Hurricane Ian, the impact was devastating. AAHOA leaders held a call the Saturday before Hurricane Ian made landfall, and about 50 hoteliers attended, ensuring everybody was aware of the dangers of the storm and directing them to available resources. Shortly after the Hurricane, AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake traveled to Florida to encourage and meet with local members. During the visit, AAHOA Vice Chairman Bharat Patel scheduled a Town Hall with U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-R-19) and numerous local AAHOA Members to discuss the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian’s ruinous effects on their communities.
6. Lodging per diem increases
Excellent news! The General Services Administration increased the lodging per diem rates for traveling federal employees from $155 to $157 for FY 2023. This win is a testament to the incredible work of the AAHOA team. Last summer, AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel penned a letter to U.S. General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, calling on the agency to raise the per diem rate. AAHOA thanks the GSA for its continued support of the lodging industry, ensuring federal officials are well-equipped to travel in service of the federal government.
Read AAHOA’s per diem letter to GSA
7. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne joins Texas AAHOA Members for a back-of-house tour
Last fall, AAHOA Members hosted Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) for a back-of-house tour at the Wyndham DFW / North Irving hotel to get a unique, hands-on tour of the daily life of a hotel operator. “Having Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne participate in the back-of-house tour was an amazing experience. Interacting with the staff and guests, participating in daily staff duties, and understanding the hospitality business demonstrates her commitment not only to AAHOA members, but also her constituents that reside in her district,” said Dhiren Masters, North Texas Regional Director.
8. AAHOA Members stand up to Los Angeles City Council’s controversial land use ordinance
