Washington, D.C. ? May 7, 2013?? Two key members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) are set to testify this morning at a hearing of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. ?Kathleen Matthews, executive vice president and chief global communications and public affairs officer, Marriott International, Inc., and Lori Gaytan, senior vice president Americas, HR and Global Reward, InterContinental Hotels Group, are serving as witnesses at the hearing.The hearing, ?Vacation Nation:? How Tourism Benefits Our Economy,? has been convened by Subcommittee Chairman Lee Terry (R-NE) to address the significant impacts of the travel and tourism industry on the economies of all 50 states and the United States.? Matthews and Gaytan are appearing on the first panel.?It is crucial that Congress continue advocating travel and tourism policies that promote job growth and increase our economy?s strength and competitiveness,? said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president and CEO.? ?Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program and implementation of the provisions of the JOLT Act, among many other steps the House and Senate can take, will yield significant benefits for our industry and provide greater incentives for tourists to come to the front doors of our member hotels, inns, and resorts.?
Travel and tourism is one of the key drivers of the U.S. economy, directly supporting more than 7.5 million jobs, including 1.8 million hotel property workers.? The industry pays $194.6 billion in travel-related wages and salaries, accounts for $124 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and generates more than $813 billion in sales.? For every 35 tourists who come to this country, one job is created.
?Today?s hearing is a clear signal of the positive influence AH&LA and our members have had on educating Congress about our industry?s economic impact,? continued Lugar.? ?We thank Chairman Terry for his continuing leadership in this important area.?
[box type=”tick”]About the AH&LAServing the hospitality industry for more than a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.[/box]?