RANCHO CUCAMONGA (August 21, 2015) - Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31) praised the job growth of the California hotel industry today on a Heart of the House hotel tour of the Courtyard Marriott Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. The tour of the 117-room property focused on the thousands of jobs generated by the hotel industry in California and highlighted the various careers within the hotel industry.

The property tour was led by the Courtyard Marriott Ontario Rancho Cucamonga General Manager Marjorie Culley. The Heart of the House hotel tour provided Congressman Aguilar and his staff an opportunity to walk through the property, meet with employees and get a deeper understanding of the impact the hotel industry has on the local economy.

"It is eye opening to see how many people this industry employs. Hotels are a significant element in boosting the state and local economies," said Congressman Aguilar. "The hard work and dedication seen from every level in this industry is inspiring. Not only does the Courtyard Marriott Ontario Rancho Cucamonga hotel promote job creation with a path to a career for all its employees, but the industry is a key driver of tourism across the great state of California."

California's hotels are an important segment of the state's economy. With 6.9 percent of all jobs directly or indirectly related to the lodging industry, California generates $7.6 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. Many of the properties are small business, a segment of the economy responsible for 50 percent of jobs in the state. The hotel industry in California reaches beyond providing guests with comfortable rooms or convenient meeting spaces IN these hotels are interlinked with many other industries, such as transportation, restaurants and agriculture, supporting $36.2 billion in total sales throughout the state. 

"Congressman Aguilar understands how essential the hotel industry is to California's jobs and economy," said General Manager Marjorie Culley. "We applaud his dedication in ensuring that businesses like ours continue to succeed and help increase travel and tourism, which are vibrant across our country."

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, works with state associations to engage with members of Congress on the Heart of the House hotel tours, which provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available as well as the economic impact the lodging industry has on the local, state and national economies.