VIRGINIA (January 20, 2016) – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) toured the Holiday Inn Washington Dulles during a “Heart of the House” hotel tour to learn about the growth and tremendous opportunities the hotel industry offers to support economic development and community revitalization.

The hotel tour program, hosted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), was led by B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group's Senior Vice President of Operations Shaun Smithson and Holiday Inn Dulles Airport General Manager Bob Janis. The tour provided Congresswoman Comstock a deeper look into the hotel industry’s assets as a job creator, economic developer and community partner, particularly to the community in and around Dulles.

“I have always been committed to ensuring we achieve and maximize development of Dulles Airport and the surrounding region,” said Congresswoman Comstock. “Hotels are a unique part of accomplishing this goal and serve as an economic engine for the airport and the Commonwealth. I am grateful to have spent time meeting employees and touring the property as we discussed ways to improve and support our local economic growth.”

“It was a pleasure to show Congresswoman Comstock what this industry is all about,” said General Manager Bob Janis. “As a hotel operating nearby one of the busiest airports in the country, with thousands of travelers from hundreds of countries traveling to and from Dulles every day, we play a significant role in contributing to the region’s economic footprint. I thank AH&LA and Congresswoman Comstock for this opportunity.” 

The hotel industry is a vital part of the economic stability of Virginia, helping to generate $1.4 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. Review the facts and figures on how the Virginia lodging industry contributes to the Commonwealth’s jobs and economy here.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) engages with members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” hotel tours to provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available as well as the economic and community impact the lodging industry has on the local, state and national stage. 
 

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Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.9 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry of 53,432 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.