Cultivating meaningful relationships with federal, state, and local legislators via Back of the House Tours
United States Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) visited an AAHOA Member-owned hotel in Savannah in September 2023
As the U.S. gears up for a major election year, with 468 Congressional seats up for grabs, it’s more important than ever for AAHOA Members to build relationships with their senators and representatives.
One effective way to ensure their voices are heard – and to further cultivate meaningful relationships – is for members to host Back of the House tours at their hotels. These tours allow Congressional members to gain a deeper understanding of AAHOA Member priorities upon their return to Washington, D.C. Hosting a Back of the House Tour provides members of Congress with firsthand experience, enabling them to witness the positive and irreplaceable impact that small business owners have on their communities. It also offers AAHOA Members the opportunity to build relationships directly with their government representatives.
United States Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) visited an AAHOA Member-owned property in her district in South Dallas in October 2023.
“These types of events are a straightforward way for AAHOA Members to connect with legislators and educate them on the issues specific to operating a hotel, thus furthering the connection between representatives and an industry that needs all the help it can get in challenging harmful legislation and enacting policies that will help the industry continue to thrive.”
AAHOA Members hosted seven Back of the House tours with Congressional members in 2023 including properties in Georgia, California, Texas, and Oklahoma. The tours received extensive media coverage, highlighting the work of AAHOA Members as they endeavor to make federal legislators aware of the issues facing hoteliers.
As just one example of a successful Back of the House tour, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), who represents Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, visited an AAHOA Member-owned hotel in Savannah in September of 2023. He toured the property and discussed top priority issues with local hoteliers. AAHOA Young Professional Director Eastern Division Dylan Patel led the tour alongside dedicated member Kal Patel and the hotel’s staff. They highlighted the hotel’s diverse facilities and services and provided insights into the daily operations and the challenges confronting hoteliers in the region.
“Congressman Carter used to work at a hotel himself and has a great appreciation for all that we and our staff do to maintain and manage our properties efficiently,” Dylan Patel said.
These types of events are a straightforward way for AAHOA Members to connect with legislators and educate them on the issues specific to operating a hotel, thus furthering the connection between representatives and an industry that needs all the help it can get in challenging harmful legislation and enacting policies that will help the industry continue to thrive.
Host a tour!
