Marathon, Texas – March 26, 2018 – U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-Texas 23) today toured the Gage Hotel as part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) “Heart of the House” hotel tour program to meet with hotel employees and see firsthand the career opportunities granted in the hotel industry.

Following the tour, Congressman Hurd participated in a roundtable discussion with AHLA, the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, and a dozen local hoteliers from all segments of the industry on issues facing the industry. Topics discussed included travel and tourism promotion, consumer protection, and the positive contributions hotels offer to the local community through job growth and economic development.

Texas’ hotel industry plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy. Texas hotels generate $13.6 billion in tax revenues every year, while guests spend nearly $37 billion annually during their hotel stay. The state’s lodging industry generates $93.9 billion in business sales while supporting $30.5 billion of labor income. Click here for more information on how Texas hoteliers contribute to the economy and local jobs.

“The Big Bend region is a natural treasure that attracts visitors from around the world. The local impact of tourism cannot be overstated, having an economic impact of $37.9 million in 2016 and supporting more than 500 local jobs,” said U.S. Representative Will Hurd, whose district is home to eight national parks, including Big Bend. “I will continue to work with local stakeholders to ensure that our parks remain beautiful and our hospitality industry continues to thrive.”

Today’s tour was led by Carol Peterson, general manager of the Gage Hotel. Also accompanying the Congressman were Amy Travieso, Vice President of Government Affairs for AHLA, and Justin Bragiel and Carolyn McCall-Squires of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association.

“Congressman Hurd recognizes that travel and tourism are an important part of building strong local economies. He also understands the challenges facing hoteliers and other small business owners, from workforce challenges to protecting consumers online,” said Travieso. “We appreciate the opportunity to sit together and discuss issues impacting businesses throughout his district, and we look forward to working with him to advance issues important to the lodging industry.”

AHLA 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 of the lodging industry.

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN HOTEL & 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.

ABOUT THE TEXAS HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION

The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) is a nonprofit trade association representing every aspect of the lodging and tourism industry. Our membership includes lodging operators and tourism partners across Texas, from the largest hotels to the smallest bed & breakfasts, along with full-service and limited-service operators, convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and vendors who work with the hospitality industry.

ABOUT THE GAGE HOTEL

Built in 1927 by acclaimed architect, Henry Trost, the legendary Gage Hotel offers authentic laid-back luxury with premier accommodations, top-notch service and a first class dining experience. The 45-room hotel offers guests a multitude of hotel amenities and activities, including a full service spa, heated swimming pool, 27-acre landscaped native garden, fitness center, or enjoy planned activities arranged by our hotel concierge in near-by Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area. Located in the beautiful Texas Mountain Region in the charming community of Marathon, the hotel has been awarded Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, named #1 Small Hotel in Texas by Texas Highways Magazine, included in National Geographic Travel Magazine “Stay List”, voted the #1 Hotel in Texas and #17 in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and the hotel’s famous White Buffalo Bar was selected by Texas Monthly Magazine as “Best Hotel Bar” in Texas.