Long Beach, CA – August 17, 2016 – Today, Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) visited Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton in Long Beach, California as part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) “Heart of the House” hotel tour to build a relationship with Long Beach hotel employees and see firsthand what issues matter most to hotels and their employees.

As the most populous state in the United States, California hotels are an important segment of the state’s economy, generating nearly eight billion dollars in tax revenue. Additionally, many properties are small businesses, making up half of the jobs in the state. The hospitality industry intersects with so many other industries, including transportation, restaurants, agriculture, manufacturing, and recreation, supporting nearly $40 billion in total sales throughout the state. Review the facts and figures on how California contributes to the economy and local job here. 

“Supporting local businesses like Hotel Maya that invest in our communities, create lifelong career possibilities and contribute to the economy serve as vital incubators to help strengthen the development and impending success of our communities,” said Congressman Lowenthal. “While restoring the economy continues to be a top issue I fight for every day in Washington, it is encouraging to see the hotel industry’s commitment to economic and community growth, while never losing sight of the people they employ and the guests they serve.”

The tour was led by Hotel Maya’s General Manager, Kristi Allen, and accompanied by AH&LA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Troy Flanagan. 

“The Hotel Maya illustrates the unique culture of Long Beach where Latin American and Southern Californian styles meet, and we proudly immerse ourselves into the Long Beach community, whether as a job provider for local residents, a getaway destination for our guests, or a hub for local business meetings or weddings,” said Hotel Maya General Manager Kristi Allen. “My staff and I are grateful to AH&LA and Congressman Lowenthal for the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to our industry, tour our property that reflects who we are as a business and as a Long Beach community partner.” 

AH&LA engages with members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” program, providing tours of hotels for members of Congress and their staff and offering 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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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, bed and breakfasts, 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 more than 53,000 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.