AAHOA Members head to D.C. for an industry advocacy push
This month, hundreds of AAHOA Members are joining forces in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the hospitality industry as part of the two-day Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) taking place March 12 and 13. The AAHOA Advocacy Conferences held in the fall and spring bring together industry leaders and hoteliers to make their voices heard on the issues that matter most.
SNAC 2023 drew some 200 AAHOA leaders to meet with more than 200 elected officials. AAHOA Members focused on gaining greater access to capital and addressing the severe labor shortages plaguing the industry. AAHOA leaders helped expand lawmakers’ knowledge around the importance of hotels to their communities and the economy at large. When AAHOA Members receive assistance, their local business communities see an uptick in employment rates, profitability, state and local tax contributions, and business sustainability.
“AAHOA provides a platform to voice our concerns by continuing to strengthen its position and influence in the hospitality industry, as well as in key political circles at the federal, state, and local levels,” AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said of SNAC 2023. “We are making a true difference for the benefit of our members, and it is fantastic to see the impact we are having. I know policymakers will remember us the next time they make decisions affecting the hospitality industry.”
As the premier voice of hotel owners, AAHOA will partner with elected officials in Washington, D.C., to identify viable solutions to the biggest challenges facing the industry. The 2024 Federal Policy Priorities for AAHOA include:
- Further developing strategic relationships with the SBA to improve access to capital
- Human trafficking awareness training and prevention
- Pushing for liability protections from frivolous lawsuits
- Retaining the hospitality workforce in a competitive labor market
- Credit Card Fees
- Working with the Federal Trade Commission to address transparency issues related to franchise fees and OTA market dominance
State and Local Priorities
The AAHOA Government Affairs Team also tracks laws passed by state and local governments. While issues can vary from state to state, AAHOA works to address the following consistently across the board:
- Leveling the playing field with shortterm rental platforms and online travel agencies
- Support lodging tax dollars only for tourism
- Clarifying and maintaining innkeeper/guest relationships
- Address the homelessness crisis
- Combatting unnecessary hotel taxes
- Pushing for liability protections
- Protecting business owners from frivolous lawsuits while holding bad actors accountable
- Human trafficking awareness training and prevention:
- Promoting HTAT compliance, training, and engagement
- Advocating for effective legislation at the state and local levels
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