Independence, Ohio – July 2, 2018 – U.S. Representative David Joyce (R-Ohio 14) last week toured the SpringHill Suites Cleveland Independence 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 in the hotel industry.

Following the June 29 tour, Representative Joyce participated in a roundtable discussion with AHLA, the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association and local hoteliers on issues facing the industry. Topics discussed included the hotel industry’s proactive efforts to combat human trafficking, consumer protection, labor and workforce issues, tourism, and the positive impact of hotels on local economic development and job growth.

Ohio’s hotel industry plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy. Ohio hotels generate $3 billion in tax revenues every year and guests spend nearly $8.4 billion annually during their hotel stays in Ohio, including $470 million in the 14th Congressional District alone. The state’s lodging industry generates $25 billion in business sales while supporting $8.1 billion of labor income. Click here for more information on how Ohio hoteliers contribute to the economy and local jobs.

“I always encourage people to visit our beautiful Lake Erie beaches, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site and the many other treasures we have in Northeast Ohio,” said U.S. Representative David Joyce. “Tourism in our area is thriving and has an estimated economic reach of $2 billion. Supporting measures in Congress that promote tourism, hospitality, and culture has been a priority of mine to benefit the local economy and create more jobs for our community.”

The tour was led by Matt Schoonover, general manager of SpringHill Suites Cleveland Independence. Also accompanying the Congressman were Amy Travieso, Vice President of Government Affairs for AHLA, Tom Moore, Vice President of Janus Hotels & Resorts, and Joe Savarise, Executive Director of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association.

“It was an honor to welcome Congressman Joyce to SpringHill Suites Cleveland Independence and introduce him to so many of the hardworking professionals we employ, who are committed to serving our guests and giving them a home away from home,” said Schoonover. “We are proud to serve our guests, our employees and the greater Cleveland community.”

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.