By Olivia Story
Advocacy is at the core of AAHOA’s mission, and this season has brought a wave of meaningful wins and impactful engagement for America’s hotel owners. From city halls to Capitol Hill, AAHOA ensures the voices of our nearly 20,000 members – who own 60 percent of U.S. hotels – are heard loud and clear.
Small Hotels, Big Victory
In San Diego, AAHOA secured a carve-out for hotels with fewer than 150 rooms under the city’s new $25 per hour minimum wage ordinance – a critical protection for small business owners who face tighter operating margins. Larger hotels will also benefit from a phased-in schedule for implementing the new minimum wage, giving operators crucial time to adapt. This win shows what happens when hoteliers unite behind a common cause.
Power on Capitol Hill
At the Fall National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., members met directly with lawmakers to advocate for Small Business Administration (SBA) loan access, the repeal of the Visa Integrity Fee, and restoration of Brand USA funding. With SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler delivering the keynote, our priorities were front and center.
AAHOA is also championing essential legislation, including the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025, and the STRONG and LIONs Acts. The STRONG and LIONs Acts would double SBA loan limits to $10 million, empowering hoteliers to expand, access capital, and protect their businesses.
AAHOA is also raising the alarm on new tariffs on furniture and cabinetry, which add to cost pressures for small business hoteliers. While we support American manufacturing, these measures threaten jobs and reinvestment.
Standing Strong for Our Community
AAHOA recently condemned Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s unacceptable remarks targeting Indian Americans, urging accountability from city leaders. Our members are proud citizens and vital contributors to the economy, and AAHOA will always defend them against exclusionary rhetoric.
Making Waves in Every State
From Florida to California and every state in between, AAHOA Members are actively shaping policy.
In Arkansas, Arkansas Regional Director Danny (Chintu) Patel and AAHOA Members recently met with State Rep. Trey Seimel to discuss key issues impacting local hoteliers, including STR legislation, anti-trafficking efforts, and ways to strengthen the state’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, in Florida, AAHOA Vice Chairman Rahul Patel, AAHOA Past Chairman (2023-24) Bharat Patel, and Ryan Albers, senior manager of state and local government affairs at AAHOA, engaged with Florida lawmakers at the Republican Legislative Leadership Summit in Orlando. The gathering provided a critical opportunity for AAHOA representatives to engage directly with lawmakers and share hotel owners’ concerns, priorities, and aspirations across the state.
And across the country in California, North Pacific Regional Director Ankit Panchal represented hotel owners at California’s APAPA Gubernatorial Forum. The event brought together candidates and community leaders to discuss the issues shaping the state’s future.
United, We Are Unstoppable
From city councils to Capitol Hill, from local wins to national impact, AAHOA’s advocacy is making a real difference. When hoteliers stand together, we don’t just influence policy – we protect our businesses, empower our communities, and shape the future of our industry. The strength of our collective voice is unmatched, and together, we can overcome any challenge. This is AAHOA at its best: Bold, united, and unstoppable.
Image: 4zevar/stock.adobe.com
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