RANCHO PALOS VERDES (October 13, 2015) - Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) met with employees today at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, to hear about the economic impact tourism plays in the state of California and see first-hand the opportunities available to employees to advance their careers and rise to higher positions with good benefits.

The state of California hosts some 251 million tourists every year, and Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, is no exception. The Heart of the House hotel tour hosted by AH&LA was led by resort President, Terri Haack, who is also a member of AH&LA's Board and current chair of the California Hotel and Lodging Association and a veteran and supporter of the hotel industry. This tour of the 102-acre property located on the southwest corner of Los Angeles, provided Congressman Lieu and his staff an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look and a deeper understanding the hotel industry plays in the local economy.

"Touring the Terranea Resort was not only rewarding because of the picturesque scenery, but it was important for me to hear the stories of employees and take back their experiences to Washington," said Congressman Lieu. "The passion for success and excellence is evident and I thank AH&LA and Terranea Resort for this incredible opportunity."

"It was a pleasure showing Congressman Lieu the ins and outs of our resort and giving him a peek into the world of a hotelier with a behind-the-scenes tour," said Terri Haack, President of Terranea Resort. "We've worked in this industry and with AH&LA for a long time, and it is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the great successes and career progression this industry provides."

The state of California's hotels are an important segment of the state's economy nearly seven percent of all jobs in the state directly or indirectly related to the lodging industry. The California lodging industry generates $7.7 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. Many of California's lodging properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for 50% of jobs in the state.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) 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.