AAHOA Elevates Hotel Owners’ Voices in Washington, D.C.
By AAHOA Staff
Hotel owners from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on September 16 and 17 for AAHOA’s Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). There, they met directly with lawmakers to discuss the key federal issues impacting the hospitality industry. This year’s FNAC, which was the largest to date, focused on increasing access to capital through SBA loan programs, boosting international tourism by repealing the Visa Integrity Fee, and restoring Brand USA funding.
By engaging lawmakers on these priorities, AAHOA Members ensured that the voices of America’s hotel owners were front and center in federal decision-making.
“Our members operate in every congressional district, and their impact is felt in communities nationwide,” said AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. “FNAC is about ensuring lawmakers understand what hotel owners are experiencing on the ground – what’s working, what’s not, and what’s urgently needed. Whether expanding SBA loan access through the STRONG and LIONs Acts or supporting tourism, we advocate for policies that strengthen small businesses and support long-term industry growth.”
Day 1: Hearing from Lawmakers
On the first day of FNAC, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler addressed attendees. Loeffler is from Georgia, the home of AAHOA headquarters.
“I thank you for what you do in your local communities,” Loeffler said. “It’s jobs, it’s opportunity, it’s economic growth, it’s also the cultural heartbeat that’s small business, so thank you for your leadership.”
Loeffler emphasized the SBA’s role in supporting small businesses, which includes loans, business counseling through 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, and federal contracting. Loeffler discussed efforts to combat fraud, improve loan programs, and reduce regulatory burdens. She also mentioned the SBA’s $4 billion in disaster recovery loans and initiatives to support manufacturing and innovation.
“Thank you for being in Washington to make sure people hear your voice and appreciate the work you all do,” she said. “The Small Business Administration is here for you. We’re going to be stronger. We already are stronger, and we will be offering more programs that help real growth, whether it’s around technology, lending, business counseling, or disaster loans.
“We’re focused on all aspects of making small businesses stronger. That’s a commitment you have from President Trump, me, and our entire team.”
The evening concluded with a Congressional Reception, where AAHOA Members engaged in discussions with lawmakers, including:
- Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)
- Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL)
- Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI)
- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
- Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC)
- Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI)
Day 2: Advocacy in Action
On the second day, AAHOA Members participated in hundreds of in-person meetings with members of Congress and their staff, ensuring that the hospitality industry’s priorities were at the forefront. These discussions focused on advocating for solutions to drive industry stability, promote competition, and support small business owners. Key Legislative Priorities:
- Expanding access to capital by supporting H.R. 4153, Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act, and S. 901, the Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act, which seeks to increase the maximum loan amount for Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million.
- Repealing the Visa Integrity Fee to support international tourism and long-term economic growth.
- Restoring and increasing Brand USA Funding to boost tourism, business revenue, and jobs across the United States. Other key initiatives included supporting S. 1838/H.R. 3881, the Credit Card Competition Act; H.R. 4366, the Save Local Business Act; H.R. 4393, the Dignity Act; H.R. 4442, the Catalyzing Housing and American Ready Growth and Expansion Investments (CHARGE) Act; and H.R.4323, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025.
“Our nearly 20,000 members own 60 percent of U.S. hotels and contribute over $370 billion to the national GDP – proof that when hotel owners speak, they are speaking for our economy,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “Advocacy is not just talking – it is our economic footprint in action. By engaging directly with policymakers at FNAC, we’re ensuring hotel owners not only survive but thrive. That’s a win for communities across the country.”
AAHOA also hosted a special reception for those members who donated $1,001 or more to its Political Action Committee (PAC). The AAHOA PAC gives AAHOA the opportunity to advocate on behalf of its members on Capitol Hill and in state capitals.
“Our PAC is what gives AAHOA Members real influence where it matters most – in Congress and state legislatures across the country,” said Patel. “I’m proud of how our members continue to step up and invest in our advocacy work. Every dollar contributed strengthens our ability to protect hotel owners’ interests, shape smarter policies, and ensure our industry continues to thrive for years.”
Ways to Engage With Your Elected Officials
★ Attend an AAHOA Event
Elected officials often attend or speak at Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows (HOCs) and Town Halls. These are opportunities to hear from lawmakers and to share more about the needs of hoteliers.
★ Host a Back of the House Tour
AAHOA’s Back of the House Tours can be instrumental in educating elected officials on the hotel industry and the inner workings of a hotel property in their district. These 60-minute tours offer an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with lawmakers and impart the positive and irreplaceable impact small businesses have on American communities.
★ Sign Up to Receive In Your Corner, AAHOA’s Advocacy Newsletter
In Your Corner is designed to keep members informed and engaged with AAHOA’s ongoing advocacy efforts. The newsletter provides the latest updates, opportunities to get involved, and stories of how members are making an impact.
Image: jaseven/stock.adobe.com
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