Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2017 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today issued the following statement concerning the Administration’s Executive Order on a U.S. travel ban.

“The American Hotel & Lodging Association has long recognized the critical importance of finding the right balance between unwavering hospitality and strong national security,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA. “While we recognize the importance of reviewing the processes surrounding visa issuance as a means to enhance national security, any action must also be balanced.  It is our hope that the Administration’s review will be completed quickly, so that we can work together to develop policies that both promote hospitality and travel to the United States for those who wish to come – both as employees and as guests – while also ensuring the safety of our citizens here at home.

“We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, and the broader U.S. travel community to meet that goal.”

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About the American Hotel and Lodging Association

Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 8 million jobs the U.S. lodging industry supports, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry that advances long-term career opportunities for employees, invests in local communities across the country and hosts more than one billion guests’ stays in American hotels every year. AHLA proudly represents a dynamic hotel industry of more than 54,000 properties that supports $1.1 trillion in U.S. sales and generates nearly $170 billion in taxes to local, state and federal governments. Learn more at www.AHLA.com.