WASHINGTON—American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President and CEO Rosanna Maietta testified earlier than the U.S. Home of Representatives Committee on Schooling and Workforce, emphasizing the hospitality trade’s financial contributions, workforce restoration, and regulatory challenges.

Maietta highlighted the resort trade’s function in job creation, noting that U.S. inns help one in each 25 jobs nationwide and contribute practically $900 billion to U.S. GDP. She underscored the strides the trade has made because the COVID-19 pandemic, with employment practically 10 p.c under pre-pandemic ranges. But over 200,000 positions nonetheless have to be stuffed and workforce shortages persist.

“The resort trade gives greater than only a job. It creates alternatives for fulfilling lifelong careers and pathways to accessing a greater life—the place, no matter background or circumstances, resort associates can obtain prosperity by way of perseverance and a dedication to service,” stated Maietta. “Essentially the most distinguished leaders in our trade, from normal managers to house owners to model CEOs, can recall beginning on property washing dishes, making beds, and serving to company. In each nook of America, from metropolis facilities and interstate exits, to roadside points of interest, and unique locations, inns are extra than simply buildings—they’re symbols of upward mobility and the success that comes with reaching the American Dream.”

Maietta stated, “Whereas we’ve made important strides in rebuilding the workforce and offering new alternatives for profession development, we proceed to face financial pressures from inflation, workforce shortages, and overregulation. The hospitality sector stays dedicated to attracting and retaining expertise, investing in workforce improvement, and creating good jobs for thousands and thousands of People.”

Maietta famous that resort wages have elevated greater than 15 p.c quicker than the nationwide common, and that employers are increasing advantages resembling versatile scheduling, tuition reimbursement, and profession development packages.

Moreover, Maietta urged Congress to:

• Broaden the H-2B seasonal visitor employee program to help inns in peak tourism areas.
• Move the Save Native Enterprise Act to guard franchise house owners from dangerous joint-employer laws.
• Preserve key tax provisions that allow resort house owners to reinvest of their companies and workforce.