Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association

Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
Name	Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
Abbreviation	CFHLA
Formation	1920s
Type	Trade association
Headquarters	Orlando, Florida
Region served	Central Florida
Membership	Hotels, motels, inns, resorts, management companies
Leader title	President/CEO
Website	(official site)

Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association is a regional trade association representing lodging properties, management companies, and allied businesses in the Orlando and greater Central Florida area. It serves as a collective voice for hospitality operators in and around Orlando, Florida, interfacing with entities such as Orange County, Florida, Seminole County, Florida, Osceola County, Florida, Lake County, Florida, and tourism stakeholders tied to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. The organization coordinates with statewide institutions and national bodies to address operational, regulatory, and workforce issues impacting hotels, resorts, and short-term rental providers.

History

Founded during the early development of Florida tourism, the association traces roots to the expansion of rail service by companies like Florida East Coast Railway and hospitality growth tied to figures such as Henry Flagler and regional initiatives by Promoter John D. Rockefeller-era investors. The group evolved alongside major projects including the completion of Orlando Executive Airport and the opening of theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, responding to trends established by the Florida land boom of the 1920s and subsequent recovery periods following events such as Hurricane Andrew and the late-2000s financial crisis. Over decades, the association developed relationships with statewide organizations such as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and national counterparts like the American Hotel and Lodging Association, adapting governance and services to shifting industry norms exemplified by institutions including International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.

Mission and Activities

The association's mission emphasizes advocacy, professional development, and business networking for lodging stakeholders across the region. Activities align with policy engagement alongside entities like Orange County Board of County Commissioners, coordination with destination marketing organizations such as Visit Orlando, and collaboration with workforce agencies like CareerSource Central Florida and educational partners including University of Central Florida and Valencia College. The association provides guidance on compliance with regulations issued by bodies such as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and public health actions by Florida Department of Health. It also liaises with transportation authorities including Lynx (Orlando) and regional planning councils like the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Membership and Governance

Membership spans independent hotels, major chains represented by companies like Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and local boutique operators. Allied members include suppliers from firms such as Sysco, technology vendors comparable to Oracle Hospitality, and staffing partners akin to HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals). Governance typically consists of a board of directors representing market segments, with executive leadership analogous to roles found in organizations like Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. Committees address topics including sustainability, workforce development, and revenue management, interacting with accreditation and standards organizations such as AAA (American Automobile Association) and certification programs offered by American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

Programs and Events

The association organizes recurring events ranging from networking mixers and trade shows to award ceremonies and policy briefings. Signature gatherings mirror industry forums seen at conferences like AHLA's Advocacy Summit and include buyer-seller events, supplier expos, and hospitality career fairs that attract partners such as Disney Institute, Universal Creative, and regional convention centers like the Orange County Convention Center. Educational series may feature curriculum modeled after ServSafe certification and workshops on revenue optimization tools used by providers like STR, Inc., MMGY Global, and HVS. Annual galas and awards echo recognition programs similar to the Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism honors, aiming to showcase excellence across front-of-house, housekeeping, and management categories.

Advocacy and Industry Impact

The association engages in public policy advocacy on issues including tourism promotion, lodging taxation, short-term rental regulation, and infrastructure investment, coordinating with entities such as Visit Orlando, Orange County Mayor, and state legislators in the Florida Legislature. It files position statements and participates in stakeholder coalitions on topics like hospitality workforce housing tied to initiatives promoted by Enterprise Florida and regional transit projects including proposals for SunRail expansions. The group also contributes data and analysis to research organizations such as Tourism Economics and consulting firms like Deloitte and CBRE Hotels, influencing destination planning, emergency preparedness for events like Hurricane Irma, and economic impact assessments related to mega-events hosted at venues like the Orange Bowl.

Training and Professional Development

Training programs emphasize certification, safety, and management skills, often in partnership with educational institutions such as University of Central Florida and industry trainers modeled after programs from AHLEI (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute), ServSafe, and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Offerings include guest service workshops, housekeeping efficiency seminars, front desk technology instruction referencing systems by Sabre Corporation and Amadeus IT Group, and leadership development initiatives similar to curricula from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Apprenticeship and internship pathways connect students from schools such as Orlando Culinary Academy and Lake-Sumter State College with employers across the region, addressing workforce pipelines and credentialing standards promoted by entities like Workforce Florida.

Category:Hospitality trade associations in the United States