In Brief: Hundreds of hoteliers advocate on Capitol Hill for a modernized H-2B visa program, passage of the American Franchise Act, and global tourism funding
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Hundreds of hoteliers advocate on Capitol Hill for a modernized H-2B visa program, passage of the American Franchise Act, and global tourism funding – Image Credit AHLA Foundation
More than 300 hotel owners, operators, general managers, and suppliers travelled to Washington this week to urge congressional leaders about the need to support and strengthen the hotel industry which provides billions of dollars in economic activity to communities across America. American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) members voiced the industry’s top concerns regarding the mounting challenges that continue to impact U.S. hospitality – from regulatory uncertainty around franchising to staffing shortages and rising operating costs.
“America’s hoteliers checked-in to Washington this week with a clear message: our industry is vital to the U.S. economy, supporting more than nine million jobs, but we need partners in Congress who understand the challenges we face and are ready to work with us to deliver travel-friendly policies,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “From franchising to workforce to global competitiveness, the policies we discussed with U.S. leaders are good for hotels, the communities they operate in, and underpin the broader economy.”
AHLA urged Congress to pass the American Franchise Act, which would codify the traditional joint employer standard to preserve the franchise business model and finally bring business certainty to this important segment of our economy. AHLA members also advocated for measures to modernize the H-2B visa program in order to provide a predictable workforce shortage solution for hotels struggling to reach necessary staffing levels during peak seasons.
Participants further discussed measures to bolster travel demand, including restoring full funding to Brand USA to ensure robust global marketing and supporting the reauthorization of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to strengthen cross-border travel.
“Hotels on the Hill is a powerful demonstration of what happens when hoteliers come to Washington and speak with one voice. Our members brought real stories from their properties directly to Members of Congress and their staffs, highlighting the challenges the industry faces and the opportunities to address them,” said Brett Horton, AHLA’s Chief Advocacy Officer. “Passing the American Franchise Act, securing the Certified Seasonal Employer provision, and restoring Brand USA funding are critical to a thriving hotel industry in an otherwise tough operating environment.”
In recognition of their leadership on travel and tourism, several policymakers received AHLA’s “Spirit of Hospitality Award” during the fly-in: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Angus King (I-ME), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), and Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD).
Sen. Collins and Rep. Harris continue to be driving forces on workforce solutions, leading efforts to address ongoing labor shortages and advocating for the release of additional H-2B visas.
“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that for every 100 open jobs in Maine, there are only 67 available workers, and each year, ‘Vacationland’ welcomes approximately ten times its population as visitors. That is why I strongly support the H-2B visa program to temporarily fill the seasonal roles that many inns, restaurants, and hotels rely on,” said Senator Collins. “By helping ensure these businesses have the workers they need to keep running, the program also supports and protects the jobs of American employees. For years, I have urged the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to release the maximum allowable number of H-2B visas so that small businesses in Maine and across the country have the workers necessary to operate and provide the level of service travelers expect. I thank the American Hotel & Lodging Association for this award and for their partnership in supporting this critically important program.”
“Hotels are interwoven into the fabric of nearly every community nationwide, especially in my district,“ said Rep. Harris. “I’m proud to support the small business hoteliers and dedicated workers who make this industry thrive in my district. I’m honored to receive this recognition from AHLA and remain deeply committed to advancing policies that strengthen and grow this vital sector.”
Senator King has been a strong advocate for hoteliers in Maine and across the country, supporting policies that bolster the workforce and advance travel and tourism.
“Hospitality is fundamentally about people —welcoming others, building connections, and bringing visitors and local communities together,” said Senator King. “Hotels play an important role in local economies – they’re literally “home base” for our tourism businesses. I’m proud to support policies that help this industry thrive.”
Rep. Don Davis and Rep. Kevin Hern have been long-standing leaders on hospitality issues, including their work as sponsors of the American Franchise Act.
“The hospitality industry is the backbone of communities across North Carolina and the country. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the small business hoteliers, workers, and travelers who depend on a strong, stable industry,” said Congressman Davis.
“Hotels are small businesses, and small businesses power the American economy,” said Congressman Hern. “My experience as a franchisee showed me how franchising allows individuals to achieve the American Dream, and I thank American Hotel & Lodging Association for this honor and for elevating the voices of hoteliers nationwide.”
