American Hotel & Lodging Association

American Hotel & Lodging Association
Name	American Hotel & Lodging Association
Founded	0 1910
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Chip Rogers (President & CEO)
Website	www.ahla.com

American Hotel & Lodging Association. The American Hotel & Lodging Association is the premier national trade association representing all segments of the United States lodging industry, from major global brands to independent properties. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it advocates for policies supporting hoteliers, provides critical research and educational resources, and spearheads initiatives to address industry-wide challenges. Its membership encompasses thousands of hotel properties and partner companies across the United States.

History

The association traces its origins to 1910, when several state hotel associations united to form a national body, initially known as the American Hotel Protective Association. Its early focus was combating unfavorable legislation and promoting ethical business practices within the burgeoning American travel sector. Throughout the 20th century, it evolved alongside the industry, playing a role during pivotal moments like the post-World War II travel boom and the rise of national chains like Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International. A significant merger with the American Hotel & Motel Association in the 1990s consolidated its influence, leading to the modern name and an expanded mandate to represent all lodging accommodations.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by a board of directors composed of senior executives from leading hotel companies, including brands like Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by the president and CEO from its headquarters in Washington, D.C.. Membership is structured into several councils and committees, such as the AHLA Foundation board and the Hotel Association advisory group, which focus on specific areas like finance, sustainability, and diversity. State and local partner associations, including the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, work in coordination on regional issues.

Advocacy and government affairs

A core function is its advocacy work before the United States Congress, the White House, and federal agencies like the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security. Key legislative priorities have included opposing the JOLT Act and shaping the CARES Act provisions for hospitality during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association actively engages in regulatory matters affecting operations, from Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards to Federal Trade Commission rules on advertising. It also files legal briefs in significant cases, such as those related to California's Proposition 65.

Industry initiatives and programs

The association launches major initiatives to tackle industry-wide challenges. Its "Hospitality is Working" campaign promotes the sector's economic impact to policymakers. In response to labor shortages, it founded the "Hospitality Works" program and partnered with entities like the National Football League for workforce development. Other key programs include the "5-Star Promise" for enhanced safety standards and the "Green Key Global" partnership for environmental sustainability. It also administers the annual "Stars of the Industry" awards, recognizing excellence among members from Las Vegas to Orlando.

Education and professional development

Through the AHLA Foundation and its educational arm, the association provides extensive professional development resources. It offers certification programs recognized by employers like Accor and Choice Hotels International, including the Certified Hotel Administrator designation. The foundation awards scholarships and grants, often in partnership with institutions like Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. Training resources cover critical areas such as revenue management, certified by the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association, and crisis preparedness, vital for operations in regions prone to events like Hurricane Katrina.

Publications and research

The association is a leading source of industry data and analysis, publishing regular reports on metrics like occupancy rates and average daily rate. Its flagship research includes the "State of the Hotel Industry" report, presented annually at events like the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. It also produces guides on compliance with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and manuals for best practices in areas like food safety, aligning with ServSafe standards. These publications are utilized by major firms like Blackstone Group and analysts at Morgan Stanley.

Category:Hotel associations Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1910