WASHINGTON—The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) kicked off its Spring National Advocacy Conference today as more than 250 hoteliers from across the country visit Washington, DC, to meet with their legislators on Capitol Hill. The two-day conference allows hoteliers to raise awareness about issues affecting the industry, to help inform the legislative process and to highlight how the hospitality industry is a key economic driver in the United States.
“America’s hoteliers create jobs, welcome guests into our communities and provide a valuable service to travelers across the nation. AAHOA members are eager to share their knowledge of the hospitality industry with our congressional leaders,” said AAHOA Chairman Hitesh (HP) Patel. “Whether it’s highlighting how they are reinvesting the tax savings generated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as they create new jobs, increase wages, and expand their properties, or discussing the important steps our industry is taking to combat human trafficking, AAHOA members are letting our lawmakers know about the issues that matter most to them.”
Spring National Advocacy Conference attendees will hear from members of Congress and participate in AAHOA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Training, developed in partnership with Polaris, and led by Elaine McCartin of Polaris. AAHOA Vice Chairwoman Jagruti Panwala testified earlier today before the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access. Her testimony focused on the economic impact of the travel and tourism industry, small business contributions to the economy and important issues facing the industry.
AAHOA President and CEO Chip Rogers said, “Constituent input is vitally important to the legislative process. This week, America’s hoteliers will be talking to lawmakers about how to make the tax law work even better for small business owners, promoting international travel, stopping predatory lawsuits and clarifying laws affecting the franchise industry. Addressing these issues will continue to strengthen our economy, create more certainty for small business owners and help hotels support the more than eight million jobs in affiliated industries.”
