DONALD TRUMP WILL return to the U.S. presidency for a second, non-consecutive term in January, making him the first to do so since Grover Cleveland. Hotel associations such as AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association were quick to offer congratulations.
In September, both groups were in Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation important to the industry. Some of the proposed legislation that AHLA is supporting include:
- The Closing the Workforce Gap Act would replace the arbitrary annual cap of 66,000 available H-2B temporary visas with a new, needs-based system.
- Extending a pass-through tax deduction, 199A, which is set to expire in 2025 and provides tax relief to franchisees and other hotel small businesses.
- Maintaining the like-kind exchange, section 1031, which allows hoteliers to defer capital gains taxes when they sell one property if they roll the proceeds into the purchase of a larger one. According to AHLA, the exchange helps create new jobs and contributes to economic growth.
- The Hotel Fees Transparency Act and the No Hidden FEES Act would establish a single and transparent standard for mandatory lodging fee display and an even competitive playing field for hotels, short term rentals, online travel agencies, and metasearch sites.
In their statements, AAHOA and AHLA expressed their hope that Trump would champion pro-business policies.
"On behalf of America's hotel owners, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect [J.D.] Vance," said AAHOA Chairman Miraj Patel. "Our industry has faced tremendous challenges in recent years, and we are encouraged by the incoming administration's commitment to championing pro-business policies that prioritize small business growth, reduce regulatory burdens, and build pathways for economic resilience. We look forward to working with the new administration to implement policies that support workforce development, drive tax relief, and foster a thriving hospitality sector."
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO emphasized the importance of these efforts for hotel owners nationwide.
"As we look toward the future, we are optimistic that the Trump administration's approach will open new doors for small businesses and create a sustainable environment for economic growth,” Blake said. “By focusing on policies that empower small business owners and encourage job creation, this administration has the opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient hospitality industry."
Kevin Carey, AHLA interim president and CEO, issued a similar statement.
“We congratulate President Trump on his historic victory. AHLA looks forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and lawmakers of both parties at every level of government to keep the hotel industry – and the many thousands of small businesses and employees that power it – moving forward,” Carey said. “The hotel industry is an economic powerhouse for the U.S. economy. AHLA’s overall advocacy goals are to advance public policies that support and enable the industry’s long-term growth potential and protect hoteliers’ bottom lines. Through educating elected officials on the industry’s economic contribution and job-creating power, we seek an environment in which hotel professionals can focus on running and growing their businesses rather than confronting onerous laws and harmful policies. That means supporting business-friendly tax rates and policies to expand the workforce, fighting regulatory overreach, protecting the hotel franchise model from government interference, and ensuring a level playing field for hotels and short-term rentals. AHLA is committed to working with elected officials and policy makers in both parties in pursuit of these crucial priorities.”
