SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA (August 18, 2015) - Congressman Earl L. Buddy Carter (GA-01) visited The Cloister at Sea Island resort and praised the industry's contribution to the local and state economy today on a Heart of the House hotel tour. The tour of this unique and natural property underscored the vital role hotel employees play in growing the local economy.

The property tour was led by The Cloister at Sea Island President Scott Steilen. The Heart of the House hotel tour provided Congressman Carter and his staff an opportunity to walk through the resort, meet with employees and get a deeper understanding of the impact the hotel industry has on the local economy.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work within the hotel industry. The employees at this hotel are key to the ongoing success of this business and this community, said Congressman Carter. "Hotels and the tourism industry are crucial jobs creators for the First District and are imperative for growing our local economy". 

Georgia's hotels are an important segment of the state economy with 7.6 percent of all jobs in the state directly or indirectly related to the lodging industry. Georgia generates $1.7 billion in tax revenue for the state and local governments. Many of Georgia's properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for 44 percent of jobs in the state. This industry reaches beyond simply providing guests with comfortable room or convenient meeting spaces they are interlinked with many other industries such as, transportation, restaurants, agriculture, manufacturing, and recreation, supporting $6.7 billion in total sales throughout the state. 

"It's a true pleasure to show Congressman Carter what the hotel industry is all about. His encouragement to further our success is inspiring," said President Scott Steilen. "This industry prides itself on economic growth and we thank Congressman Carter for taking the time to learn firsthand the impact we have on tourism and job growth in this state and the 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.