The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is actively lobbying Congress for a range of legislative actions that can boost the hotel industry. The association believes that certain government-backed policies are essential for the long-term success of the hotel industry.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific support the AHLA is advocating for and how it could benefit both hotels and their guests.
Expanding Employment-Based Visa Programs
One of the most pressing challenges hotels face today is labor shortages. The AHLA is pushing for the expansion of employment-based visa programs, such as H-2B visas, which are currently capped at 66,000 per year. These programs allow hotels to bring in temporary foreign workers, particularly during peak travel seasons. The association wants Congress to increase the number of available visas and make the process easier for hotels to access the labor they need. This solution is critical for maintaining service quality, especially as domestic labor shortages persist.
Why It Matters
Without enough staff, hotels may struggle to maintain service levels, leading to delayed check-ins, slower room turnover, and reduced guest satisfaction. Expanding visa programs would ensure that hotels are adequately staffed, improving operational efficiency and the overall guest experience.
Supply Chain Resilience: Easing Import Restrictions
The AHLA is also advocating for policies that would ease import restrictions and address ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Hotels are heavily reliant on a wide range of imported goods, from furniture and linens to food and beverage supplies. Current supply chain disruptions have made it difficult for hotels to source these essentials. The AHLA is calling for government action to reduce tariffs on essential goods and provide incentives for domestic production of key hotel supplies.
Why It Matters
Supply chain issues can affect the quality and availability of products and services offered to guests. By addressing these bottlenecks, hotels will have access to the goods they need to meet guest expectations, from well-stocked mini-bars to fully functional room amenities.
Tax Incentives for Renovations and Sustainability Initiatives
Another key element of AHLA’s lobbying effort is pushing for tax credits and incentives for hotels to upgrade their properties and invest in sustainable technologies. The association is asking Congress to expand Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently offers tax deductions for energy-efficient building upgrades. The AHLA wants to see this expanded to cover a broader range of green technologies and renovations that would modernize hotel infrastructure, making them more attractive to eco-conscious travelers.
Why It Matters
Renovated properties with energy-efficient systems lower operational costs while creating a more appealing environment for guests. Modernized hotels equipped with sustainable features are more likely to draw repeat business, while energy savings can be passed down, keeping room rates competitive.
Enforcing Fair Short-Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have been a point of contention in the hotel industry. The AHLA is urging Congress to enforce stricter regulations on these platforms to ensure they operate under the same safety, tax, and zoning laws as hotels. The association argues that the uneven playing field created by lax regulation of short-term rentals disadvantages hotels, which have to meet stricter compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
Unregulated short-term rentals can undercut hotels on price without offering the same level of safety and service. Stricter regulations would help create a fairer competitive environment, allowing hotels to focus on delivering superior guest experiences rather than competing with unregulated operators.
Strengthening Data Security and Privacy Standards
With the growing use of technology in hotel operations, the AHLA is advocating for updated federal data security and privacy standards that align with the unique needs of the hospitality industry. The association seeks to enhance existing legislation like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure guest data is protected while maintaining operational efficiency for hotels.
Why It Matters
Guests are increasingly concerned about how their personal information is handled. Improved data security not only builds trust but also prevents costly data breaches that could damage a hotel's reputation. Federal standards would ensure consistent protection for guests and peace of mind during their stay.
Overall, AHLA’s efforts reflect the wide array of challenges facing the hotel industry in the post-pandemic world. From labor shortages to supply chain disruptions and the need for modernization, the association’s advocacy aims at securing the long-term health of the industry.
Source: TravelPulse